When Summer Meets Fall
Do you feel the shift happening?
We are about to experience the best of both worlds colliding together as we watch summer turn into fall.
The temperatures are cooling off; the days are getting shorter; the first red, yellow, and orange leaves are starting to appear on the trees; and soon a spectacular show of fall colours will come cascading upon us. We are also so blessed at this time of the year with the bountiful harvest, a real feast for the eyes and tummy. And who can resist that delicious aroma of apple pie?
The end-of-summer rituals bring back fond memories of my Italian family traditions, with my mother making jars of the essential tomato sauce and my father making his prized wine. We feel the shift from eating salads and fruits to craving more hardy foods like soups, casseroles, and hot beverages.
It’s also time to take out those sweaters and abandon our sandals for socks. We start longing for warmth, comfort, and cozy evenings with our favourite people or a good book.
During this back-to-school season, we may feel sad that the carefree, fun-loving days of summer are coming to an end, but autumn teaches us to slow down and appreciate the structure that fall brings us.
We start to shift our focus and time to new projects and goals, much like a fresh start. It’s time to reflect, realign our plans, and get organized. As we reassess and take stock of what’s working and what’s not working, we can make the necessary changes and welcome new opportunities as we continue to learn and grow into the next season of our lives.
Fall teaches us to shift our perspective as we keep ourselves grounded and seek out our centre of balance. In order to progress, we need to look at what may be holding us back from living our best lives. We need to ask if we are willing to let go of what no longer serves us. Fall leaves show us how beautiful it can be to let go and make us realize that we don’t need to hold on to those dead leaves.
As we navigate through the different seasons of our lives, allow the wisdom of nature to guide and support your transformation. In spring, the energy is focused on outward growth, whereas fall is the time for introspection and preparation for what’s to come next in your life. It is time to see if your outer life is a reflection of your inner life.
To make sure you are still on track and heading in the right direction, you need to get your bearings. Look at where you are coming from and what you have learned in order to benefit from your own hindsight. Then ask, Where am I now? What do I really desire in life? You will gain insight as to where you want to go next and what you need to let go of that may be preventing you from achieving your higher purpose and goals. What do you need to change now? What actions do you need to take?
Fall teaches us that, just like nature, it’s a time of celebration and being grateful for all we have received. All the hard work from the spring has paid off. As we slow down, we start to notice all the finer details and all the miracles happening around us and in nature.
Fall reminds us that the only thing constant in life is change. As the seasons change, we can learn from nature how to mindfully transition from summer to fall. There is no need to fear change. Instead, accept it, go with the flow, and enjoy fall to the fullest.
As uncomfortable as change may be, it is well worth the growing pains. The falling leaves are part of the continued growth of the tree. Trust the healing process as you surrender and shed whatever is hindering you from embarking on your journey and moving forward. Find new ways to continue nourishing your soul as you tune into the creative expression of who you truly are. It’s time to nurture ourselves in different ways.
Embrace the seasonal changes. You will be able to thrive and become more resilient, just like nature shows us every day. Each season brings new beginnings. Fall brings us a renewed sense of optimism. Go ahead and indulge your senses to experience fall in all its splendour, grace, and beauty.
Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall.
Antoinette Giacobbe M.A.
