Changing seasons or a different sort of fall

It’s fall…my favorite season…and yet this year feels different. Don’t get me wrong, I’m loving the cooler mornings, and I’ve already had my first pumpkin drink. It’s just that I’m not getting that invigorating feeling of renewal I usually get at the beginning of a new season. 

Perhaps that’s because it feels like we are going backwards with COVID rates rising again. I thought we’d be somewhere else by now. Instead of a new beginning, each season feels more like a repeat. Ground Hog Day anyone?

Perhaps it’s because it has been such a weird summer, what with the smoky air and overly hot temperatures keeping us indoors much of the season. Typically, I’ve been out in nature much more during the summer…hiking, barbecuing, traveling…and by fall I’m ready to snuggle in and slow down. This year, my mind and body are confused…restless. 

But hey maybe with any luck, fall will see an end to the wildfire season and the crazy hot temps, and I’ll actually spend more time outdoors now than I did over the summer. That would be a reversal of the usual pattern, but not a bad thing.

Whatever the reason, I’ve decided not to try to force the fall enthusiasm I am currently lacking. I accept where I am right now and take each day as it comes. I will savor the pumpkin everything. I will revel in the brisk mornings. Enjoy the fall leaves. All without the pressure of turning a new season into a “fresh start.” It seems I’m back to the theme of enjoying the moment without striving to turn it into something big.

Your turn

  1. What is your favorite season? Why?
  2. Pumpkin—take it or leave it?
  3. What else is on your mind? Anything at all…I just love to hear from you.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin.

Image by Melk Hagelslag from Pixabay 

You may also like

  • How do I release my attachment to striving? Should I?

    When I first started this blog almost six years ago, my stated purpose was to figure out what’s next for a goal-setting, list-making, self-improvement addict like myself…one who is making the transition to the second half of life. A life that is no longer centered on raising a family or moving up the career ladder….

  • Advice for those just starting out

    It’s that time of year again; that time when the mailbox is full of wedding invitations and graduation announcements. I always look at them with a mix of envy and relief that they are the ones just starting out and not me. This year is especially poignant since our first grandson is among those graduating…

  • The amazing versatile pumpkin, a true super food

    If you’ve been reading this blog for the past couple of weeks, you know I’m obsessed with pumpkin in all its forms, so I was surprised and delighted when I read my fellow bloggers’ fall bucket lists and saw how many of them had pumpkin-related items on their lists. Of course, pumpkin is the ultimate…

  • My favorite quotes about sisterly love

    Whenever I meet up with one of my sisters, I know it’s going to be a good time. When all four of us get together…well, let’s just say, it’s our own private party! If you are lucky enough to have sisters like mine, you know what I mean. No explanation necessary. But just in case,…

  • Are you asking the right question when making big decisions?

    Over the last couple of years, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what I want to do in retirement…the next big transition of my life.  Do I want to edit and publish my book? Then maybe start another? Would I like to begin a new self-employed career…maybe life coaching or freelance writing?  Do…

  • Autumn 2020 bucket list

    Well it’s finally here, my favorite season: fall…or autumn…depending on your preference. In fact, this season is so fabulous, it’s the only one deserving of two names. For more on the origins of autumn and fall, check out this usage note from Merriam-Webster. Whatever you call it, ’tis the season of beautiful leaves, cooler days,…

10 Comments

  1. We’re heading into Spring here Christie and I get all warm and fuzzy when we get a clear blue day and I can get out and about on my scooter – then the rain kicks in again and I’m back in my car again. I think we both need another few weeks for the weather to settle in more and to feel like we’ve changed seasons (it’s definitely a bit like life isn’t it?)

  2. I feel the same way. This summer was hard to enjoy with all the bad air, and I’m definitely feeling discouraged about the covid situation.
    It doesn’t help that I’ve been sick as a dog, so I feel like my time is being a bit robbed.
    I am looking forward to cooler temps, and hopefully feeling better soon, so I can enjoy the fall, and all the pumpkin yumminess completely.
    Fingers crossed.

  3. I love fall also… such as we have any change of season where I live 🙂 We were very lucky to have had a mild summer and, thank goodness, no wildfires in our area. The second half of September and early October can be among our hottest weeks, though, so who knows.

    I know what you mean about not getting that invigorating feeling of renewal. It’s almost unbelievable that we are finding ourselves with increasing Covid rates at this point. Why many people aren’t getting vaccinated with some much evidence of the benefits is a mystery to me.

    1. I understand your bewilderment about the COVID vaccine, Janis. I’m right there with you. Our largest local hospital system has just announced that they are postponing all non-urgent inpatient procedures, as they just don’t have the beds or staff available. Last I heard, all the COVID patients in the hospital system were unvaccinated. It’s crazy.

  4. Fall was always my favorite month. I loved the cool brisk days with sunny skies and colorful fall leaves. I loved starting to wear the pullovers and putting throws on the couches. I’m not a fan of pumpkin, nor pumpkin spice, but some hot cocoa and an evening bonfire… yeah! Now, it is something I know will not be part of my on-going life… Florida doesn’t really do fall. It cools a bit. Right now, nights are falling into the high 70’s, versus staying in the 80’s. Still highs in the 90s most days. By November, we might see high 60s at night. LOL. So I’m rethinking seasons here…and definitely rethinking fall activities with the Covid cases up (Florida is horrible!). You are so right with the GroundHog Day reference… I certainly hoped we would have been someplace else by now and am quite angry at those who are contributing to this latest spike.

    1. You’ve been through a lot of change recently, Pat. Giving up fall in the traditional sense may be a challenge. It would be for me. On the other hand, this winter I will definitely be jealous of your Florida weather! I certainly understand your anger at those who are not doing their part to control COVID. It’s hard to comprehend. I’m trying my best not to shut off compassion to people whose way of thinking or acting I cannot understand.

  5. Hi, Christie, I love your honesty, your self-awareness and your acceptance. I’m currently an Autumn-Denier. I’m not quite done with summer yet. We’ll see how this works out for me! 😀

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *