How to set intentions to thrive through Fall (and Winter).
My Audacious ode to Fall…
I used to love fall for all the usual reasons: the clothes, the leaves, the food, the smells, the holidays and the TV lineup. But when I hit my middle years I started to notice that my love of fall was about something bigger than cooler temps and my beloved sweaters. There’s something about hitting the 5-0 mark that encourages us to reflect through a lens of deeper meaning and for me, fall has become about much more than pumpkin risotto and the September issue of Vogue (although these things are still high on my Joy List!).
Knowing now how quickly life seems to roll on by, it feels more important than ever to try and be fully aware and in reverence & gratitude in order to soak up and appreciate every minute of this colorful and delicious season. That said, with the upcoming election, the lingering pandemic and the reality and weight of racial oppression and climate change, this year it can be tempting to start hibernating earlier than normal. But that won’t help anyone, least of all ourselves.
As we shift into Fall and Winter, now is a great time to pause, observe, and set intentions around how you want these next few months to feel - and what you can do to actually create those feelings.
The seasons are a rhythm that’s both external and internal and the themes of growth, harvest, death, and rebirth are about our inner lives as much as about what’s happening outside of ourselves. Fall, and the fall equinox, is when we traditionally acknowledge and give thanks for the harvest and gratitude is a big part of this season.
This is an excellent time for recognizing and appreciating what or how you have grown so far this year and thinking about how you can continue to nourish and support coming growth as well. Some ideas for calling in feelings of gratitude & appreciation can include writing thank-you notes to people who’ve had a positive impact on you this year, whomever they may be. You might even consider writing a thank-you note to yourself and your beautiful body that’s gotten you through this life so far.
It’s also a good time to clear out the weeds and clutter that can trip you up both emotionally and physically. On an internal level, noticing and learning to change thoughts that keep you from thriving is one way to encourage personal growth. Old and deeply rooted beliefs like “I’m not ________ enough” can take extra digging and excavating but ultimately they can be tamed!
Externally, fall can be a great opportunity to get rid of clutter in the form of “stuff” which we all have way too much of. Creating more actual space can bring feelings of relief, openness, satisfaction and possibility.
Like a squirrel, you can also gather the “nuts” that will keep you sustained through the dark months ahead.
Candles, yummy and healthy recipes, lists of movies, shows, books and podcasts you want to partake in but keep forgetting to write down, places you can visit to soak in some nature - these all count.
Guided meditation apps also are an excellent way to get into a positive mindset and start leaning into the months ahead. Focusing on what you actually have power to change in your own life can help you approach the season with anticipation, preparation, and excitement.
As I put away all the cute summer clothes that I didn’t wear during this past and unparalleled time in 2020, I’m personally taking a moment to reflect on the staggering amount of transformation that has taken place and is still happening all around us. Growth never promises to be painless or fun and this year is a prime example, but it’s happening nonetheless, even if it’s still fully unmeasurable. A good friend reminded me the other day that every generation has its collective trauma, time of reckoning or tragedy.
We humans are incredibly resilient and I have no doubt that we will continue to get through and ultimately thrive, now and through all the seasons.
xo
Lisa