Why You Need Autumn

Copyright 2019 Jason Weirich. All rights reserved.[/caption] It’s back! Or at least, I believe that it’s back. Autumn is almost here or should be here while you are reading this blog post. How many of you have been waiting for this time of the year? I need autumn — very badly. Autumn says a word without even speaking—slow down. Bonfires, football, hayrides, apple picking — all things that our family looks forward to during autumn. And yet, it’s not the activities that we are truly craving. We are craving the slower pace. For most of us, summer is a busy time. Kids are off of school and something always needs done around the house or in the yard. Add vacation stuff, trips, and anything else you can think of. Summer ends and then suddenly you are preparing for a new school year. Autumn signals to us to slow down. Yard work (other than leaves) begins to end. It gets dark sooner and all those trips from the summer are becoming unreasonable with current schedules. If you find yourself craving autumn, here are some practical ways to get into a different rhythm:

Carve out some time for yourself. This sounds selfish, but many of us are still recovering from the chaos of summer. To make this truly worthwhile, spend the time away from technology. Bingeing on Netflix may sound great but it really doesn’t replenish your soul.

Plan for autumn activities. The window of time to enjoy this season is short so make sure you get outside. Pick some pumpkins or apples at a local orchard. Get lost in a maze of corn with your friends and family.

Make shorter to-do lists. This one sounds like chaos; however, your focus will be laser sharp as you won’t waste time on mundane tasks. Focus on what really matters. You will get the right stuff done and not worry about trivial stuff. If you are worried, ask for help or hire someone to help you with your tasks.

Journal or write somewhere, somehow. Writing in an actual journal is old school yet how therapeutic it is to put our words onto paper. Do yourself a favor and begin to write your thoughts, feelings, desires, goals, and fears. The unexamined life is a life full of lost dreams, cobwebs, and constant fear.