![Traditional-Fall-Decorating](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0552/0162/8320/files/Traditional-Fall-Decorating.jpg)
A friend told me this weekend that the universe was whispering to me and I wasn't listening, so clearly, it had to begin screaming.
And screaming it is.
As in lower back pain that... Just. Keeps. Coming. Back.
No pun intended.
![Simple-Pumpkin-Fall-Mantel](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0552/0162/8320/files/Simple-Pumpkin-Fall-Mantel.jpg)
Today I learned what the problem is and I will begin physical therapy this week. Luckily it is not too serious and it is manageable. I also learned that I will likely not be able to return to the type of workouts that I have done for years and years. The ones that work. But the truth is, I haven't been able to do them for months because they keep making my back worse.
...whispers.
So now, I rest and start with something new.
![Pumpkins-Galvanized-Fall-Mantel](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0552/0162/8320/files/Pumpkins-Galvanized-Fall-Mantel.jpg)
I have to admit, the rest part is a little bit of a relief. I have to find a way to get my mojo back. Not just in working out, but overall. I feel like I have been off my game. Trying to juggle and manage so many things that none of them are done well.
...whispers.
![Natural-Fall-Mantel](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0552/0162/8320/files/Natural-Fall-Mantel.jpg)
Maybe that is why we all love the change of seasons so much. A chance for a mini fresh start. It seems like such a silly little change, a fall mantel, but it is one of my favorite things.
![Ideas-welcoming-Fall-Family-Room](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0552/0162/8320/files/Ideas-welcoming-Fall-Family-Room.jpg)
This year, I kept it really simple. Candles, pumpkins, leaves from a tree outside and four galvanized roof panels.
![Galvanized-Fall-Mantel_edited-1](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0552/0162/8320/files/Galvanized-Fall-Mantel_edited-1.jpg)
I think taking the time to decorate for the season forces us to slow down, at least a little bit, and listen. So I enter this first part of fall with a lesson learned.
Listen a little bit more to the whispers before they start to scream.
Take care of ourselves.
![French-Country-Fall-Mantel](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0552/0162/8320/files/French-Country-Fall-Mantel.jpg)
What about you? What whispers have you been pushing down?
Thanks so much for reading.