There is so much to learn and to take away from the seasons. They are constant. They are each unique and a terrific part of the year. They’re beautiful with their colors, holidays, blooming flowers and soft snowy days. Autumn is a special one because of its character. Autumn is the season of letting go, renewal and change. This year, when autumn ends, we are saying goodbye to a decade and moving into a new one — full of promise and new beginnings. What a beautiful new chapter that we are going to get to experience. Before moving into this new era, let’s learn about some things that autumn teaches us.
- Let go and move forward
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Letting go isn’t always an easy thing to do. It takes time, as do most difficult things in life. Letting go doesn’t always have to be in an emotional sense. It could mean moving on and providing yourself with better and brighter opportunities. Let go of a toxic relationship, let go of a job you no longer feel happy in and let go of habits that make you feel bored or unamused. This lesson has so much value because we can learn so much from the act of letting things come to an end. Since autumn symbolizes the end of the year, make sure to end your year on your own terms. Let go of whatever is no longer serving you and start fresh as you move into 2020. It’s that simple.
- End the year strong
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We all want to be our most productive selves, especially to gear up for the opportunity to create new habits and routines to get us prepared for the upcoming year. So, fall is the best way to really work hard and get things done! If you’re a student, this is the time to really push through with your studies. Make to do lists, be productive with your studying and projects and make sure you end the fall semester off with the grades you want. You can accomplish anything as long as you put in the effort.
- Embrace change
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There’s a certain beauty in change. It’s about being unapologetically you. It also allows us to make the decisions to make our lives the way we want to see them. One thing to remember this fall season is to embrace change. Don’t be fearful of it. Change is so necessary for us as human beings. We are so often called “creatures of habit,” so we need change in order to keep life moving rather than staying in a stagnant phase. So, change up your life in any way you see fit. Change your hair, your major, your living space or even your life plan. There is magic in change.
- Slow down
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As a society, we are constantly on the go. Onto the next big thing. Work, school, internships, family time, social lives, relationships — the list goes on and on. While these things are definitely needed in life, we don’t necessarily give ourselves the breaks we sometimes need. It’s okay to slow down. Seriously. Don’t be afraid to cancel plans or stay in on a Saturday night because you just want a quiet night to yourself. It’s okay to sign up for four classes instead of five. Whatever the case may be, it’s okay (and necessary) to slow your life down! Life wasn’t made to be this stressful and chaotic thing we all go through. It was made to be a beautiful, enjoyable thing. So, slow down and enjoy it.
- Reflect
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With this autumnal season comes a time to reflect. This reflection is so important and so essential for your mental health and wellbeing. It can also help inspire others to do the same thing. Grab a journal or write a letter to reflect on what autumn has taught you. What are you grateful for? What did you learn about yourself? What do you want to learn more about? Write it all down. No detail is too small. Reflection is such a valuable thing, and it’s such a great way to stay grateful for the things and people that you have in your life.
Overall, I hope that this fall season has treated you well so far, and I hope that it continues to teach you a thing or two. Fall is such a beautiful thing. We often tend to view it as this beautiful external season of life, but we often forget to realize the amazing things it teaches us in an internal context. One thing that I will say I am thankful for at my Thanksgiving dinner? Autumn.