Do you enjoy the change of seasons? Each season has it’s own feel to it. I love the ebb and flow of the year and how you can count on the changes that are to come. Maybe it’s a lifetime of being a student or a teacher but for me the Autumn Season always seems like the beginning. So as we move into this season with crisp cold nights and shorter days here are some of the changes that I look forward too.
4 Ways to Enjoy the Autumn Season:
- Add More Lights… As the days grow shorter it is a good time to light more candles and turn on those little twinkle lights. Having more morning and evening glow can help diminish the autumn depression that sometimes sets in. This time of year I light a pumpkin scented candle first thing in the morning. Less than a month ago, it was still light at 6 in the morning and now it is pitch dark. The candle lifts my spirits and the fragrance is a morning pick me up. All around my house you will find lighted vignettes that make the evening time seem brighter and more welcoming.
- Spend Time Outdoors…The cooler temperatures are a wonderful break from the hot, dry summer months. This autumn it is a special blessing to have the cooler temperatures. We struggled with weeks and months of smoke from the wildfires in Canada and the Pacific Northwest this year. That meant that we had to stay indoors with the doors and windows closed. It is great to be able to let in the cool, smoke free air now. This is also a great time to get outside and work in the garden, go for long walks, scavenge for leaves and other natural elements and just enjoy time around the fire pit.
- Make a Pot of Soup… Now that the season is cooler it’s time to look forward to more soups, stews and casseroles. Warmer and heartier fare can be comforting as we more into this time of shorter days. We still enjoy lots of salads and fresh produce but a bowl of soup hits the spot when you come in from your outdoor time. I like to make large pots of soup like minestrone, potato, chicken with wild rice or beef and barley. Then I freeze portions in smaller containers so I can pull out what a need and instantly have a cup of soup.
- Find Activities to Do With Friends and Family…This season is a little slower than the holiday season that looms on the horizon. I like to make time to connect with friends and family. Spend time together just appreciating these small moments. Here are a few activities that are fun in the autumn months. Head to an apple orchard for a day of picking apples. Take a long walk along your local river or lake. Plan an afternoon picnic on your front porch. It doesn’t really matter what you do as much as just spending the time to reconnect with your loved ones.
The autumn months are really a new beginning for us to enjoy all the blessings of our home, health and family. As you move through your days don’t let the ‘To Do’ list of chores overwhelm you. Take time to enjoy the beauty of the seasonal changes around you. Don’t rush through these days but take a grateful approach to each day. Be mindful of the changes as you go about getting your home and garden in order. Don’t forget to thank God for the blessings of each and every moment.