Falling in Love With Yourself This Season
While your raising your little ones
Hello September 1st! If you’re anything like me, you’ve already swapped out the summer chaos for cozy sweaters, a fall candle is burning (pumpkin spice, cinnamon cashmere or apple pie scented), and the kids are back in school or at least semi-occupied. Now, you finally have a second to breathe. But then the thought hit me: when was the last time I actually loved on myself? Can you remember?
If you had to pause too long for that answer, you’re not alone. We mamas are pros at packing lunches, running endless errands, keeping everyone else alive and (mostly) happy - but when it comes to giving ourselves even a sliver of that energy? We act like it’s a luxury instead of a necessity.
I don’t know about you, but I’m done with it. This fall, it’s time to fall in love with yourself. Not in a Pinterest-perfect, bubble-bath-only way (though bubble baths totally count). I’m talking about the kind of self-love that’s real, doable, sometimes messy, and absolutely life-changing.
I’m gonna break it down into 3 chapters. The first chapter I’m going to break down why it’s SO important to love yourself in so many different ways. The second, I’m going to give you a few different types of ways to give yourself some love and romanticize this autumn season. And third, I’m gonna call you out and make sure you actually stay accountable on your self love journey so pay attention or write down some of the ideas that sounds the best to you and action at least one.
So grab your mug, sis, because we’re diving in.
Chapter One:
Why Loving Yourself Matters (Especially as a Mom)
I’m going to be completely honest with you. I’ve been through 5 seasons in my life where my entire identity was “mom.” Not Caitlin. Not a woman with dreams, quirks, or hobbies. Just “snack-bitch” & “butt-wiper” on demand. And while I loved my kids with every fiber of my being, I slowly realized over the last year that I was running on fumes, showing up cranky, stretched thin, burned out and honestly, resentful at times.
Then it hit me - if I don’t show my kids what loving myself looks like, how will they ever learn how to love themselves? Our kids are little mirrors. They’re watching when we roll our eyes at our bodies in the mirror. They notice when we never take time for ourselves. They see us saying “yes” when we mean “no.” And guess what? They’re filing it all away as their blueprint for adulthood.
That’s when I decided: nope. This season, I’m going to start treating myself the way I want my kids to treat themselves one day - with respect, kindness, joy, and love. Because when I’m full, I parent better. When I love myself, I model healthy boundaries and confidence. And when I stop running on empty, I can actually enjoy motherhood instead of just surviving it.
So, mama; this is why it matters. Loving yourself isn’t just about you. It’s about the story your kids get to tell one day about what loving yourself looks like.
Chapter Two:
How to Fall in Love With Yourself This Season
Okay, let’s get to the fun stuff. How the hell do you actually do this? Because it’s not enough to just say “I’m going to love myself more.” You need actual ways to put it into practice. So I’ve broken it down into three categories: no-spend, budget-friendly, and splurge-worthy. And because I’m a big believer in solo dates, I’ve tossed a few into each category.
🍂 No-Spend Self-Love
Take a solo walk or drive with your favorite fall playlist or podcast.
Cozy up with a blanket, a candle, and journal about what you’re proud of lately.
DIY spa night with what you already have - think face masks, everything shower or bubble bath with all the fixin’s, body lotion, the works.
Movie night for one. Pick your favorite fall classic (Hocus Pocus? A Cinderella Story? Ginny & Georgia marathon?) At least all of those are my go-to’s that I could rewatch a million times and never get tired of them.
Solo date idea: Plan an “at-home fall retreat” night - comfy clothes, smelly candle, a warm drink, your favorite movie, and all the cozy vibes, guilt-free.
🍁 Budget-Friendly Self-Love
Go thrift shopping or head over to Dollar Tree for some cozy sweaters or fall decor. It’s like a treasure hunt that won’t totally fuck your wallet.
Take yourself out to a local coffee shop with a book or your journal. Sip slow. No gulping lukewarm coffee while someone yells “MOM!” Enjoy the taste and use all your senses to really allow yourself the full experience.
Visit a pumpkin patch or farmers market alone. Put on your favorite playlist and just wander.
Bake something seasonal (pumpkin bread, apple crisp, whatever makes your heart happy) just for YOU. Not for the kids, not for the bake sale - for you.
Solo date idea: Pick one weekend day and make it your personal “fall-day adventure” - just you, a coffee or tea, and whatever fall activity makes you feel like it’s actually fall. It could be apple picking, having a fall-themed picnic, finding a local fall festival or (like I plan to do this weekend) making a cute autumn-themed charcuterie board and painting some little gourds while watching Halloweentown.
🎃 Splurge-Worthy Self-Love
Book a massage, facial, or spa day. Let someone else take care of you for once.
Treat yourself to one new fall wardrobe staple - maybe boots, a chunky knit sweater, or the softest scarf you’ve ever touched.
Book a solo Airbnb staycation. Even just one night in a cute cabin or city loft can feel like hitting reset.
Sign up for a class you’ve always wanted - pottery, yoga, candle-making. (Because your hobbies are allowed to exist too, mama.)
Solo date idea: Take yourself on a “fall in love with me” weekend. Even if it’s just one splurgey day, treat it like a mini-honeymoon with yourself. Do all the things that bring your pure joy.
Chapter Three:
Mama’s Homework Assignment & Accountability
Alright, time to put this into action. Because reading about self-love is cute, but living it? That’s where the magic happens.
Here’s your homework:
Pick ONE thing from the lists above (budget, no-spend, or splurge) and actually put it in your calendar. Not “someday.” THIS WEEK.
Share it with someone for accountability. Text a mom friend, write it in your journal, send me the screenshot, or even post it on social media if you’re feeling bold.
Bonus points? Invite another mama to join you. Because sometimes we need a partner in crime for the self-love revolution.
And if you do this, I promise you’ll start to feel those little sparks of joy and confidence come back.
Gentle Reminders
You are not “extra” for wanting more for yourself.
Your kids learn how to love themselves by watching you.
Cozy doesn’t have to cost a dime.
Permission to rest is already granted.
Joy is not a reward—it’s a daily vitamin.
Alone time is not selfish, it’s sacred.
Splurging on yourself is an investment, not wasteful.
Fall is about letting go—you can drop guilt, too.
Showing up for yourself is showing up for your family.
You are worth celebrating, latte in hand.
So, mama, what’s it going to be? A cozy no-spend journaling night? A splurgey spa day? Or a budget-friendly pumpkin patch solo date? Whatever you choose, choose it with love.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog, follow along on socials, and check out my shop for fall goodies made with mamas like you in mind. Because this season isn’t just about pumpkins and cozy blankets - it’s about you finally falling in love with yourself again. 🍁
If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out my other tips on self-care for busy moms, or browse my full collection of motherhood hacks to make life a little easier!
If no one told you today, you are an amazing mom and I see you. You wouldn’t be reading this blog if you weren’t and I am SO proud of you. Keep loving yourself too, mama.
With Love, Caitlin Nichols
