“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller
From One Season to the Next
We’ve all felt it. Life blurs from one thing to the next. Summer slides into back-to-school, Thanksgiving disappears, Halloween rushes by, and suddenly Christmas lights are up before pumpkins have even started to rot. In some neighbourhoods I know, lights flicker in early November, signalling the start of the season. (Full disclosure: I love Christmas, but cramming it all into 1/6 of the year dilutes the magic.)
Modern life pulls us along, one task to the next, and it’s easy to forget that stopping isn’t just okay—it’s necessary. Without consciously carving out time to reflect, contemplate, and organize, those “I’ll get around to it one day” tasks—letters, projects, or even conversations—stay on the list forever.
November: A Month to Pause and Reflect
Conscious Estate Planning is about creating that space. Time isn’t something we can make or find—it can only be allocated. And there’s only one day to do it: today.
November is special. It’s a natural pause before the holiday frenzy. We collectively observe Remembrance Day, a moment to reflect on history, culture, and the extraordinary acts of ordinary people. Unlike other holidays, this one isn’t about celebration—it’s about contemplation. It reminds us to slow down, appreciate what matters, and prepare for what comes next.
Take a cue from Remembrance Day and give yourself permission to use November intentionally. This is your month to pause, reflect, and take action. A few ideas:
- Write a letter to someone important
- Make a list of your favourite movies or books
- Clear out a corner of your basement or garage
- Tackle a task from your “get around to it one day” list
- Have a meaningful conversation with someone you care about
If we don’t consciously pause in November, it becomes December-lite, blurring with the holiday rush. Work parties, family events, school pageants, shopping, baking, spending too much money, drinking too much—without a pause, we rush through life, missing the moments that matter.
Slowing down isn’t just a luxury. It’s essential. Reflection and conscious planning prepare us for life’s inevitable challenges. When we address the “get around to it” tasks now, we reduce suffering for ourselves and our communities later.
Planning Is Easier with a Partner
If legal planning for life, aging, and death is still on your ‘get around to it one day’ list, Brown Lawyers is ready to help you get it done—book a consultation today and take the first step toward peace of mind.
