A November Kindness Challenge: Finding Light in the Shorter Days

There’s something about November in Wisconsin that always makes me slow down. The busyness of summer with outdoor gatherings, endless to-do lists, and a pace that seems to never stop is finally behind us.  The mornings arrive later and the evenings come too soon. The air is crisp with the smell of fallen leaves. Even the energy from the fall’s harvest seems to have faded, and suddenly, there’s space to breathe. 

This quieter season brings out my reflective side. Maybe you feel that too. When the pace slows, the gratitude grows. Maybe it’s because I'm starting to notice the little things again.  The golden glow of the sunrise on the lake and bare trees, the first hot mug of coffee every morning,  and a cozy blanket with a good book - my favorite.  And more than that, I start thinking about the people and moments that truly matter in my life.

As women navigating the second half of life, we’ve lived enough to know that gratitude isn’t just a feeling — it’s a practice. It’s something we value, especially in times when the world feels heavy or divided. And let’s be honest, lately it has felt that way more often than not. There’s tension, uncertainty, and a lot of noise in the world around us. But that’s exactly why kindness — real, intentional kindness — matters more than ever.

So this month, I’m inviting you to join me in what I’m calling the November Kindness Challenge. It’s simple, but powerful:  Each day in November, find one intentional way to show kindness — to yourself, to someone you love, or even to a stranger.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Write a note (or send a text) to someone who has made a difference in your life.

• Compliment another woman on something other than her appearance — tell her you admire her strength, her humor, her courage.

• Drop off a small treat to a neighbor or friend who might be feeling lonely.

• Reach out and connect with someone you haven’t talked to in a while.

• Extend kindness inward: forgive yourself, rest without guilt, or say no to something that drains your energy.

Kindness doesn’t have to be big or dramatic. Sometimes, it’s as simple as pausing before reacting, smiling at someone in the grocery store, or reaching out when it would be easier to stay in your own world. These small gestures add up. They create connections — something we all crave deeply, especially as we grow older and more intentional about how we spend our time and energy.

What I love most about this season is how it naturally invites us to reset. The slower pace gives us the chance to check in with ourselves — to ask, What really fills me up? Where can I make a difference? And perhaps most importantly, How can I live with more kindness — toward others and myself — in this next season of life?

I believe this is one of the most beautiful parts of creating the second half of your life — realizing that your influence doesn’t come from how fast you move or how much you do, but from how deeply you love and how generously you give.

So, as the daylight fades earlier each evening, let’s be the ones who bring the light. Let’s make November a month of intentional kindness — a gentle rebellion against the noise of the world. Because even one small act of compassion can warm a heart, brighten a day, and ripple farther than we can ever imagine.