Greetings on a very Fall like day in New York City. The weather has been overcast and brisk today, the winds dusting the city with fallen leaves and reminding locals that winter isn’t far away.

I welcomed Fall with a vibrant pop of orange and my favorite tall boots.  (Necklace, blouse (similar and similar) , skirt, and similar tall boots)

After a day that seemed to include one stressful email after another, I actually made it home by 7:15. I had a craving to jump in the kitchen as soon as I walked through the door. For the next hour I cooked and baked, the stress melting away from my shoulders as I listened to the new Mumford & Sons cd, Babel, in the background.

Now that I’ve given you a run down of my day, let me share with you this month’s mantra. I’ve thought long and heart about this over the past few days and during my training session today with Lauren, the topic finally reared it’s head as we talked about the next month of marathon training.

I’ve always been the type person who likes to stay busy. I’ve also been the type person who likes to please people and follow through on commitments.

According to my mom, that often leads to someone who a daughter who causes her own stress due to saying yes too often.

Therefore, my October mantra is a bit unexpected.

Just Say No!

This month is about taking a step back, focusing on my biggest goals and making sure that I don’t allow anything to block the way.

Right now, my biggest goals both personally and professionally are as follows:

• Begin to onboard to my new role at work while still managing and delivering the business for my current role.
• Finish the NYC Marathon in under 4:45 on November 4th while smiling and feeling strong.

In order to push my body during workouts for each of the next four weeks, especially the next 2 weeks before taper, I need to fuel my body with quality fuel and get plenty of rest. In order to balance marathon training with my new work demands due to my promotion, I need to have the time to stay at the office late when I need to and be mentally alert and focused. While balancing these two goals I also want to continue to focus on being a better wife, daughter, friend, and sister. This means making time for phone calls, Skype sessions, evening sofa sessions watching Homeland with Bo, long walks in the city, and nights out with friends.

So there you have it. The person who always says yes may get caught saying no this month.

Question: Do you have a mantra this month? If not, what are your goals for the month?