Fall is much more than sweater weather. While it provides us with the perfect opportunity to show off our collection of fashionable, chunky knits, it also provides us with an opportunity for personal growth.
For many ladies, autumn is bittersweet. Closing the chapter on summer and the memories it holds can feel sad, especially when combined with cooler weather, darker days, and the anticipation of the holidays, which can certainly be stressful. But how can we not be moved by the darkness, changes of color when we step outdoors, and chillier temperatures? It is such a stark contrast to the season before, teaching us that if the seasons can undergo such a drastic transformation, we can too.
While we all go through our own seasons, sometimes at different times, many of us are feeling fully immersed in fall — reflecting on life and eager to shed our old leaves for growth and renewal.
Shedding your leaves
We hear this time and time again, in order to grow, we have to release something, and that’s what the trees do every fall. This process looks different for everyone. Your “leaves” could be items that have been causing clutter in your home, a relationship that is no longer serving you, or a habit that’s holding you back.
Instead of recoiling and turning inwards this fall with the intention of not leaving the comforts of your couch, embracing this opportunity for personal growth is a much better idea.
Letting your leaves fall means facing the uncertainty of the future, which may not feel as comfortable as the present. Fearing change is perfectly normal, but the best experiences you may ever have could be lingering just around the corner. The trees embrace change every autumn, as should we. It will make you flexible and adaptable — two things that will help you on your journey to success.
It’s also important to remember that seasons are temporary. If you’re experiencing a hard season, try to look ahead and realize that another is just around the corner, providing you with another opportunity to transform. And if you’re experiencing a wonderful season filled with happiness, make sure you soak it up and enjoy every moment, as it is also temporary.
Have a fall glow-up
Here are some other ways you can support your seasonal self-improvement transformation:
- Set fresh goals. Have your goals from a few seasons ago lost their “oomph”? Fall is a great time to refresh and refocus on your goals as it’s a period of change. Think about what you’d like to achieve and jot them down in a notebook or on a sticky note that you’ll see every day. Be sure to make SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely) as these will keep you in a growth mindset.
- Practice mindfulness. You’ve likely been busy creating the perfect Halloween costume, visiting pumpkin patches, and hosting spooky DIY craft nights. Take a break from it all by practicing meditation, mindful breathing, or just shifting your awareness to the present moment.
- Learn to accept the ebb and flow of life. Learning how to weather storms and overcome challenges will build resilience and serve you in every season. Accept that we’ll have seasons of sadness, seasons of joy, seasons of growth, seasons of distance with loved ones, and seasons of closeness in your relationships. Like the seasons, our lives are always changing.
- Surround yourself with a positive sisterhood. Fall and winter are known to be two very busy seasons. With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve celebrations on the horizon, make sure you have a support system in place that you can spend time with. The holidays can be a challenging and emotionally draining time for many, so surrounding yourself with likeminded women who want to see you succeed is crucial. They can also lift your spirits when they are low, and keep you focused on the things you’re wanting to achieve.
While it sounds scary, embracing change and growth will push us forwards in every aspect of our lives. Being afraid of change will keep you in the same place, stagnant, and you’ll be unable to thrive personally or professionally.
The fall season reminds us of the impermanence of life. Instead of fearing this huge change, nature embraces the transition, shedding its leaves in order to bloom again in the spring.
So, shed those leaves, sister! What are you waiting for?
