If seasons could have speeds, I’d say my fall is pretty fast. Not only does it go by particularly quickly—as the midwest goes from pool-party-energy to puffer-jacket-weather in less than a month—but my pace of life is faster than my video lectures at 1.5x speed. The beginning of the school year brings with it a new set of classes to attend and homework to pore over. Limited free time is filled with meetings for too many clubs that I signed up for at the activity fair and dinner plans with friends I haven’t seen in months. Throw in 6 a.m. cross country practice and travel for Friday meets, and my days are booked, to say the least.
I know I’m not the only one who gets a little bit stressed filling out her planner and wondering where I can schedule my time to breathe. After all, what would fall be without the busy bustle of the start of college?
I enjoy keeping myself busy—really, I do. But this year more than ever, I have realized that if I don’t take advantage of the free time I have right now, at a really special time in my life, I might never learn to do so. It’s not uncommon that my quick study breaks land me on Pinterest, home of the ever-aesthetic seasonal inspiration. Autumn is my favorite: from farmers’ markets and crunchy leaves to cozy sweaters and pumpkin pies, it brings with it crisp and cool energy. There are so many little things and big adventures to enjoy in fall, and I don’t want to miss out on simple things that bring me so much joy.
As we reach the official start of autumn, the days will grow cooler and the days just a bit shorter. The universe is giving us all the hints to slow down, and we just have to pick up on them. The next few months may fly by, but I’m challenging myself (and you!) to spend some time each weekend doing those cheesy bucket list activities that we always talk about but rarely follow through with. I’m also going to literally slow down my pace of life and walk at a calmer pace, so that I can notice and appreciate the beauty of fall. So go ahead—carve a pumpkin, jump in some leaves or just wear a big hoodie. Because in college, there’s time for everything.