There is something transformative about the change of seasons, and autumn is a truly special season. The leaves are changing colors and falling from the trees; the weather is cooler and crisper, and there’s renewed energy in the air. Autumn is an opportune time for reflection, fun, discovery, and renewal.
As we head into this autumn season and the last quarter of 2021, take some time to think about the vision you have for yourself and your life. As you look at where you have been, where you are now, and where you want to go, focus on what you are hoping for this autumn.
Many times, our hopes and dreams get sidelined by our daily commitments at home and at work and the chaos of the world around us. So, it may be difficult to even identify what we really want. If you are struggling to come up with ideas for what you want to experience or accomplish before we welcome winter, these ideas can serve as a springboard for exploring your own hopes, dreams, and plans:
- Schedule time for things you enjoy. When is the last time you lost all track of time doing something that you truly enjoy? What activities and hobbies are meaningful to you? Whether it’s hiking in the middle of nowhere, visiting an art exhibit at a local gallery, or spending an evening at home scrapbooking, it is important to schedule more time that is just for you. This is not wasted time, as it is time well spent.
- Focus on self-improvement. Maybe, you are ready to quit smoking, eliminate sugar from your diet, or reduce your levels of stress. You do not need to wait until New Year’s Day to make resolutions to change. Now is the perfect time to begin taking the necessary steps to improve your mindset, manage your emotions, and take action.
- Enroll in a class/course. It’s back to school time, and this is not just limited to children. There are lots of learning opportunities to take advantage of now. This may be the right time take a college course to work toward a degree or to step your culinary skills by taking a cooking class. Not only will you learn a new skill, become more knowledgeable about a subject, or simply have fun, you will feel proud of yourself for completing it.
- Plan a weekend getaway with your partner. Taking an autumn trip together gives you time to reconnect with one another and to focus on your relationship, away from all of the distractions of daily life. You can explore a new destination or revisit a favorite one, and no matter where you go, the important thing is that you are with each other.
- Enjoy more quality time with your kids. The pandemic brought life outside of our homes to a screeching halt, at first, and then, slowly, life returned to a new normal. That return brought back the hustle and bustle of school, homework, and extracurricular activities. In the midst of this busyness, it is vital to spend quality time together to build and maintain strong bonds. Plan activities to enjoy together, such as having a family game night, visiting a pumpkin patch, or volunteering for a cause.
- Get your house in order . . .literally. A cluttered environment can leave your mind feeling cluttered, too, and it can increase your levels of stress and anxiety. Tackle one household task at a time, such as cleaning out closets, deep cleaning each room of your home, and donating items you no longer need or use to a charitable organization. Eliminating the clutter will leave you with a clean, organized space, a clearer mind, and feeling a sense of accomplishment.
- Plan proactively for the holiday season. Autumn may only be a week old, but waiting in the wings are the holiday season and all that it brings. Waiting until the last minute to make holiday preparations and overextending ourselves can result in higher levels of stress across the board.
If you dream of having a leisurely holiday season this year, start now with meal-planning, baking ideas, and gift-shopping. By planning now, you could have one of your most relaxing and rewarding holiday seasons ever.
The leaves and temperatures may be falling, but it’s your time to rise!
That’s another story . .
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That's Another Story 
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