November settles in as a quiet pathway between autumn’s brilliance and winter’s rest. The air sharpens, daylight shortens, and we are nudged to slow down. Here in Howard County, places like Centennial Park, the Robinson Nature Center, or the Howard County Conservancy (about a mile from Bethany’s campus) offer spaces where the falling leaves and hushed woods remind us of life’s natural rhythms—letting go, resting, and preparing for renewal.

As Thanksgiving nears, many experience both joy and strain. Holiday gatherings can bring gratitude and laughter, yet also stir grief, stress, or old family tensions. Community traditions—like visiting a local farm, browsing Ellicott City shops, lunching with friends, or volunteering at a nearby event—can anchor us in connection and remind us that we are not alone.

Emotionally and spiritually, November invites us to create a state of mind rooted in gratitude and release. Naming small daily blessings, spending quiet time outdoors, or practicing forgiveness helps us shed old burdens, much like the trees shedding their leaves. By embracing this rhythm, we make space for peace, preparing our hearts for the holidays and the new season ahead.

Dr. Tom Swisher is a counselor, professor emeritus at Stevenson University, and author of “Family Dynamics: Transforming the Hidden Patterns That Shape Us.” Reach Tom in confidence at swishtom@gmail.com or 443-996-6659.