Fall. Autumn. Harvest. Whatever you choose to call this season we’re just heading into here in the northern hemisphere. It’s my favorite time of the year.
The cooler temperatures signal something important for me: the ability to breathe normally. I don’t do well in the heat. At all. Fall is far more comfortable. This season also stirs memories of marching band and football, two pretty important things in my life.
And, for me, fall signals new beginnings. Maybe it’s because I’m a teacher and with the approach of fall comes the new school year. Or maybe it’s because of something else.
To quote from one of my very favorite books that I love to re-read this time of year:
“My granda always told me that fall’s the time to root up something you don’t want coming back to trouble you.” Kote mimicked the quaver of an old man’s voice. “‘Things are too full of life in the spring months. In the summer, they’re too strong and won’t let go. Autumn . . .’” He looked around at the changing leaves on the trees. “‘Autumn’s the time. In autumn everything is tired and ready to die.’”
from The Name of the Wind
Autumn is a good time for reflection. Far better than January 1st. Things calm down in the fall. Hibernation is on the minds of all nature, including we humans. We start hunkering down, remembering what we’ve accomplished so far during the year.
We start planning for next year. Yes, I know that may be early for some of you but there’s too much going on in December to really plan anything. It’s too busy.
Fall, thought, fall is calm. Fall is for sitting outside in the evenings next to a fire. Fall is for cool mornings on the porch with a cup of hot coffee, or for chilly nights with hot cocoa.
"It's the first day of autumn! A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, and, best of all, leaping into leaves!"
- Winnie the Pooh
There’s no better time of year to snuggle in with a good book than fall. No better time to gather with friends to share warm tales around a hearty meal.
No better time to take a break from the the whirlwind of life, to settle down in a quiet place, and to sit in stillness.
Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go. To move on. To sit with yourself and come to terms with your humanity. To remember that, like the leaves that fall, we all will fall at some point, though we know not when.
Personally, I’m taking a few days and fully disconnecting. I’ll be in the woods, relaxing and enjoying time with my family. S’mores will most definitely be involved. What better time of year to take a brief pause than during the fall?
Fall break wasn’t a thing when I was in school back in the late 20th century (yes, it was a long time ago) so having time off during October is still very weird for me. However, I’m appreciative for the rest and time to recharge.
Take some time for yourself this season. We’re still fully back to normal in this world and if you work in education, you’ve been through two and a half years of the weirdest time in your career.
Breathe. Watch the leaves fall. Sip the coffee. Hug your loved ones. Take time to rip out the dead things from you life so they don’t come back to bother you; Autumn is the perfect time.
Also, RIP Loretta Lynn
I’ll be back with you in a week or so. Be safe.
MP