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.

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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! 😀

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