Now that I’m officially over the “Damn, summer is legit over over” blues, I can [finally] with a clear mind and open heart give a warm welcome to the fall season. I, like many other sophistaratchet young adults, thoroughly enjoy the spring and summer seasons mainly because it gives me an excuse to cut up and act a slight fool for at least 4 months out the year—which by the way is much needed after the last couple of winters we’ve had here on the east coast. That being said: Hey November heyyy! Long time no see, how you been? Sidenote: Idk why the official start of fall begins in September. Like summer barely ended and I’m still in play mode. Plus, the weather doesn’t start to cool down until mid-October and I don’t take things seriously until after Halloween anyways. So, I hereby declare from this day forward, the new start of fall will commence on November 1st each year from here onward. You’re welcome.
It’s been on my mind to write about seasonal change and how we should all be accepting of the new season our life is about to transition us into. Whenever the seasons change, particularly summer into fall, I feel an overwhelming urge to create changes in my own life. As the leaves begin to exhibit their bold colors and daylight saving time reminds us how much of an asshole it is, there’s no denying the change radiating around me. On a surface level, autumn is absolutely breathtaking. Tis’ the season for apple picking, pumpkin spiced lattes, dope ass fashion, and even better autumn comfort foods. However, from a symbolic standpoint, I used to hate everything about the fall season. In nature, fall is a time of death. As beautiful and scenic as the changing leaves are, the cold weather, shorter days, and the overall ‘blah’ feeling that came along with the season were not enough incentive for me to really channel the power autumn brings.
For years, I used to dread the end of the year. It seemed as though everything that could go wrong in my life seemed to go wrong between the months of October—January. Why? Girl, I barely have it figured out myself, but here’s my best educated guess. *Beyoncé voice* You ready? As a believer of energy (my inner scientist just twerked a likkle), as the seasons change, the energy in our surroundings also change. In my opinion, we [humans] are the literal definition of energy. In simple terms: energy is the capacity to do work. As energetic beings, we vibrate energy and also interact with the energies around us. Meaning, what fulfills you in the winter is not going to energize you in the summer. Just as what cleanses you in the spring will not invigorate you in the fall. Change is important. It keeps us alive and present; it keeps us going. It’s the only constant in life we can learn to expect; shit’s going to change regardless of your best efforts to keep it the same—might as well embrace the bitch.
Overtime I realized the fall isn’t as terrible as I made it out to be in my mind. I like to think of it as my blank canvas. It’s the inspiration I need shake shit up in my life and foster positive change for my present and future. Fall = Rebirth. It’s a time of focus and reflection. The fun carefree vibe of the summer is over and you have more time to focus on change; it’s quieter and easier to listen to your inner voice.
Now I know this no easy feat, but try following these steps and hopefully they’ll help you as much as they have helped me.
- Embrace the darkness: that extra hour of darkness we just gained may affect your mood but it’s important to remember that our physical bodies have already adapted to the change! Our mental bodies (a.k.a. your brain/mind) may be late to the party. If you experience an emotional slump during the change of seasons, don’t dwell on it. Embrace it for what it is in the moment, understanding that it is temporary and out of the darkness comes the birth of light.
- Let go: Remember from earlier, autumn symbolizes a time of death in nature. Trees shed their leaves because it is no longer needed in the months ahead. Just like Mother Nature, we may have emotions, unhealthy habits, or routines that we need to release in order to feel better and move forward. In the words of my sisters’ teenage celebrity obsession crush, Mase (od throwback) “Breathe, Stretch, Shake, Let it go.”
- Replenish depleted energy: Fall and winter are a drag. As a result you may find yourself constantly battling with the need for more energy. Think about it like this, when the trees are bare of leaves, it’s not because that tree has died and there’s no more life or energy. It simply means all that life, all that energy is being stored in the roots and seeds in preparation for the upcoming seasons of growth. In the same manner, we need to preserve and restore our energy. For me that means, continuing to do the things that bring me joy regardless of the unappealing weather or the daily stresses I encounter.
- Enjoy the moment: Slow down sis! Like clockwork, as soon as the first real signs of autumn hits, productivity slows down, rest becomes the priority, and renewal is the goal. Now, don’t confuse what I’m saying as an invitation to completely stop your progression. No. What I mean is remember to take time during each day (however much time your schedule will permit; and don’t bullshit me and say you don’t have the time. Yes, you do.) to be mindful; consciously deciding to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the current moment even if for a few minutes. This will also help with replenishing your energy, like in #3.
- Learn from nature: Whatever changes are calling you this season, honor them. Looking for a promotion at work? Feel inspired by the changes happening around you and work out ways to accomplish your goal. Too many margaritas this summer? Change your exercise routine! Be grateful the summer heat is gone and you can enjoy working out alongside nature. Want to deepen a relationship/love? Appreciate the intimacy and calm that cannot be achieved fully during the constant movement of the warmer months. Whatever it is welcome that change into your life. Use this fall/autumn season, this change in the Earth’s energy to move forward, out of the now and into the new.
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