Embracing Change: A Seasonal Reflection on Life (8-minute read)

Seasons of Change

As the crisp air rolls in and the leaves put on their annual fashion show of red, orange, and gold, we find ourselves moving into the heart of Fall. Well, OK… maybe not so much here in Texas… but I am enjoying the cooler mornings in the 70s and daily highs under 95!  I can feel my body craving soups and looking forward to spending more time outside - which I avoid from June to September each year (Texas heat, right?). So I say bring on Fall!

Wherever you live, it’s likely that you are at least starting to sense the changing of the seasons. For some of you, it will include the visual delight of fall colors, and maybe some pumpkins, and slightly different sunsets. Whatever fall looks like to you… it's a great time to remember that change is a natural part of life. Seasonal changes are a perfect opportunity to reflect on our daily practices, energy levels, and routines. Are they serving our well-being, or do we need to tweak things a bit? Let’s dig in!

The Cycle of Nature

Nature’s changing seasons teach us about growth, decay, and renewal. Trees toss their leaves like they’re clearing out their closets, and the sun reverts back to its teenage years and refuses to get up in the morning. It’s all a reminder that change is normal and valuable, even if it feels messy or inconvenient. Letting go is helpful, rest is good for us, and cycles are part of our glorious human experience. So, as you watch those leaves flutter down, think about how you can embrace your own changes.  

A Time for Reflection

Fall is a perfect time for self-reflection. With summer’s chaos behind us, we finally have a moment to breathe. Ask yourself: 

• What has changed in the past year or even the past few months? 
• What’s working well in my life?
• Where do I feel like I’m walking through molasses?
• What can I learn from my experiences - good and bad? 
• What am I ready to release?
• Have my goals shifted? How? What do I want next?

If you like to write, grab a journal and jot down your thoughts. If not, grab a friend and discuss! 

Assessing Energy Levels & Daily Routines

As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, you might feel your energy levels dip. Maybe the thought of getting out of bed makes you want to hibernate. For me, fall has the opposite effect. I find myself energized, eager to start new projects, capable of leaping tall buildings and solving world peace. I crave being outside more - eating foodie foods on a patio with my besties, listening to music, playing cards, and laughing until it hurts.  

The secret here is that we all have a unique energy and our own ebb and flow - a rhythm of life. It’s good to notice what’s changing for us and how… and then respond to that. This could include reassessing self-care practices. What does self-care look like for YOU in THIS moment?

• Do you need a different bedtime or evening routine? 
• Are you moving enough and nourishing your body with foods that make it happy? 
• Do you need a snazzy new pair of cozy socks and a good book?
• Is it time to change your working hours so you see daylight before or after work?
• Maybe you’re ready for one last beach weekend or football games!
• Maybe you need a daily nap. Science shows that short naps, under 30 minutes, are good for us! They improve memory, information-processing speed, and vigilance!  

There is no one way to do this, no right answer for everyone. The key is to listen to your spirit as it whispers what it craves… and then act in its favor. Frankly, that’s a secret to a good life in general, not just seasonal changes! 

Considering Habits and Goals

Are your habits aligning with your goals, or are they more like a confusing game of Twister? For example, if you find yourself spending too much time glued to your phone, TV, or computer, it might be time to establish healthier boundaries.

Saying “no” to the endless scroll could improve your wellbeing. Check out this article to see how it can help you be more present, improve sleep, deepen personal connections, and increase productivity and learning! I love the idea in the article of doing a media fast. Would you be willing to give it a try? If so, I suggest finding an approach that pushes you a little out of your comfort zone but is still reasonable enough that you won’t avoid it.  

Embracing Mindfulness

The stunning scenery of Fall is a great invitation to practice mindfulness—the art of being fully present in the moment without worrying about life.  One easy technique is mindful walking. Yes, it’s a thing! Take a stroll outside and focus on the sensation of your feet hitting the ground, the fresh air filling your lungs, and the breeze on your face. You get the idea, engage your senses - notice what you see, hear, taste, smell, and feel - physically and emotionally.  This practice can help ground you, especially during those chaotic moments when life feels like a rollercoaster. It can also help you strengthen your appreciation for everyday life, a gift indeed! 

Building Connections

For many of us, Fall is all about gathering and intentionally connecting with your favorite humans. Plan a potluck dinner where everyone brings their best Fall dish. As you share the meal, express why you value each other, laugh, and create memories that outlast the food coma. Do whatever creates a sense of connection, because it has real power! Research shows it can improve moods, boost our immune function, and help people manage weight, blood pressure, and even diabetes. And that’s just the tip of the connection iceberg! 

Embrace Change

As we revel in the beauty of Fall, I encourage you to pause and appreciate the beauty and power of change in our lives. Just as nature transitions with grace, we can adapt and grow alongside it. By evaluating our daily practices, assessing our energy levels, and nurturing our connections, we can create lives that serve our well-being. Choose to embrace the little adjustments that align with what your spirit calls for. It's one of many ways to Build Your Sparkable Life™!

Go on, FALL in love with being Sparkable™