november reflections

a month of mindful moments

Author

Melissa Serrano
November 04, 2025

Here we are in November, and the state of the world is…well, really overwhelming. Most days, it’s hard to focus or feel motivated. Maybe you feel the same. It’s been tough to be optimistic and keep moving forward. So I asked myself, what’s made me feel good in the past? What’s in my control?

In October, I started volunteering more. I found a new Netflix series to binge with my mom (hello, Poldark!). I invited a new friend to dinner and a book event. I tried pottery for the first time. Honestly, I was terrible at it and likely won’t be running back to the wheel, but it was a much-welcomed distraction. I know none of this is going to change the world, but it’s slowly been changing my world. It gives me something to look forward to and create new memories in this time of uncertainty and frustration.

I hope today’s election across the U.S. brings us good news and a glimmer of hope! We need it. Now in November, as we all prepare our fuzzy socks and make holiday plans, how do you plan to care for yourselves? I hope you share it with me.

Wishing you joy, peace, and of course, some magic.

xoxo,

Melissa

listen + read

This year, I started the audiobook: En los zapatos de Valeria. All in Spanish!! One of my favorite Netflix shows ever, Valeria, is based on this book series. It’s always been a life goal to read a book in Spanish, so I decided to start with an audiobook. It took me seven months…but I finally finished it! I’m proud of myself. Even though it was difficult to follow at times, I stuck with it and plan to finish the rest of the series.

If you’ve been wanting to challenge your language skills, I think starting with an audiobook or podcast is a good idea. It’s a low-risk and high-reward because your language skills will get stronger with time and with each chapter. My next venture: reading a book in Spanish!

Other books I finished recently or am currently reading:

eat

Food is always a comfort for me, and it was especially during my birthday month! I was blessed with delicious food and heartfelt conversations with family and friends this Libra season. Here were some of my favorite bites:

  • Perfectly sweet and savory baklava french toast at Lulu 

  • Fresh fish and chips next to the harbor during sunset at Sailing Goat

  • Creamy and balanced matcha tea at Asha Tea House (they produce their own matcha you can buy online!) and Black Bird Bookstore and Cafe

  • Finger-licking good crispy fried rockfish with tamarindo sauce at Khom Loi

  • Hojicha panna cotta at Rintaro, savoring every bite (this was one of my favorite panna cottas I’ve had in a very long time)

  • Homemade pizzas and funfetti birthday cake from my bestie!

  • Tea at one of the oldest tea houses in the U.S., Far Leaves Tea

  • Chile relleno and empanadas made with love at Elena’s (I ate here 2x in the past month!)

  • Crunchy, addictive, and sweet honey walnut prawns from 606

events

Here are a few suggestions for events in November. I’m hoping to visit the San Francisco Botanical Garden next week!

virtual

san francisco

sonoma county