"It's short enough as is, so I want to enjoy every moment of it."
Autumn is coming, and call me basic, but I've determined it's my favorite season. While I've only been on this earth for 25 years, I've noticed a pattern where I get the most anticipatory around fall, and I'm definitely the happiest during that season.
I love the weather, the variety of color, the options for indoor and outdoor activities, and the back-to-school season. My sister and I also have birthdays in the fall. I've wondered before if there's a place on earth where it's autumn all year round. I quickly realized, no, it's impossible for this season to last 365 days because it's a transitional season. The trees look so beautiful because they are preparing for winter.
Also, let's be honest, if fall lasted forever, I know I wouldn't appreciate it as much. It's just the human way.
Especially living in the Midwest, sometimes it feels like fall lasts for 2 weeks, and before I know it, there is snow on the ground and I still have half a list of incomplete fall activities I wanted to do.
There are a lot of metaphors found in fall; the beauty of seasons, the purpose of change, being beautiful in the midst of change-- some have been over exhausted-- so I'm not going to dive deep into one of those metaphors today.
Instead, I'm going to encourage you, whether you're looking forward to fall or not, to be as present as you can be for this entire autumnal season.
It's short enough as is, so I want to enjoy every moment of it. Especially since you never know what next fall will bring.
In my mind, autumn starts September 1-- even though the calendar says September 21. Nonetheless, to prepare for this beautiful season, I am making a list of all the things I want to do this year, both habit-wise and adventure-wise. Some as basic, others are oddly specific, but these are the things I plan to do to be present, and enjoy fall 2023. I hope they spark inspiration for you too.
Stay off of social media: The truth is, scrolling on my phone doesn't just take away my presence in the moment, it takes away my presence for the following hours, days, maybe even weeks or months. Just because I am not distracted by scrolling, doesn't mean my mind isn't distracted from the content that I saw. Where did she go last week? What milestones did she hit last month? Wow, she exercises everyday and her body looks like that now... If I want to be physically and mentally present this year, all distraction needs to go.
Go a fall hike: my mom and I are planning to go to Pictured Rocks in Michigan this fall
Go on a walk to spend time outside, everyday
Establish a morning & evening routine: I know that I am the healthiest version of myself when I get enough sleep, and have a slow, screen-less morning and evening. Romanticize the mornings and evenings with candles, yummy drinks, comfy p.j.'s, cozy socks or slippers, a book or devotion, peaceful music, open windows, and treat your skin and teeth rituals as a privilege to take care of them. (If you establish a healthy routine during a season when it's easier, it will be easier to continue implementing a healthy routine during a season where it's harder).
Carve a pumpkin
Go apple picking
Take photos of fall colors
Walk to a coffee shop for a bagel & black coffee
Watch an autumnal sunset on the beach (with a picnic)
Go to a farmer's market or craft fair
Watch 'It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown'
However you decide to enjoy the fall season this year, make sure you are present for all of it.
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. --Romans 1:20
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