routine – Elizabeth Yuen

October always feels like a reset button for me. The air is cooler, the candles are cozier, and suddenly I’m aware that there are only three months left in the year. It’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and ask: how do I want to finish this year?

For me, that looks like a few big focuses. Writing-wise, I’m diving into my draft of Project Ember and pushing myself to make meaningful progress before the new year. Personally, I’m focusing on fitness, rebuilding my evening routine, and creating more balance in my days as a stay-at-home mom and author. For my online creative work, I’m setting a goal to grow my YouTube channel—not just in numbers, but in quality. I want my videos to feel cozy, inspiring, and like little pockets of encouragement for anyone watching.

Of course, it’s not all work and goals. I’m also looking forward to the fun of this season: pumpkin patches, hayrides, cozy reading nights, and plenty of time spent coloring or journaling in my planner. These little rituals are just as important as the big milestones because they fill the days with joy.

At the heart of it, that’s why I share my journey here. I want to document the path toward my publishing dreams, yes, but I also want to remind you (and myself) that we’re not alone. Growth can feel messy, comparison can creep in, and routines can slip—but there’s always a chance to reset, refocus, and create something beautiful with the time we have left.

Here’s to finishing the year with intention, creativity, and maybe a little bit of magic.

Lately, my evenings haven’t looked the way I want them to. I’ve been slipping into a cycle of doomscrolling—scrolling past bedtime, convincing myself I’m just “winding down” when really, I’m robbing myself of true rest. This habit even has a name: revenge bedtime procrastination. It’s when you stay up late doing things that aren’t restorative simply because you want to reclaim some sense of personal time.

But here’s the thing—I don’t want my “me time” to be endless scrolling. I want it to feel intentional, cozy, and nourishing.

My ideal evening looks more like this: a bubble bath with a seasonal candle burning nearby, a lighthearted book or soft music playing in the background, and a few easy chores like folding laundry or tidying my desk. After that, I’d curl up with a coloring book or journal to let my creativity flow, and then finish with skincare and a good night’s sleep. Simple, but so much more rewarding than losing an hour to my phone.

If you’ve been feeling the same way, maybe it’s time to reclaim your evenings, too. Ask yourself: what little rituals would actually make me feel cared for at the end of the day? Whether it’s tea and a novel, stretching before bed, or pampering yourself with skincare, choose habits that restore you.

Because at the end of the day, you deserve an evening routine that feels like a gift, not an afterthought.

Tag: routine

🍂 FALL RESET | Routines, Goals, and Creative Growth 🍁

🌙 RECLAIMING EVENINGS | Breaking Free from Doomscrolling ✨