It can be difficult sometimes not to associate this time of year with more negative feelings. The days are getting shorter, the skies are becoming more gray, the air is getting cooler. Yet, we see the fall season as the most special of all. Of course, the vibrancy of fall colours and the crispness of the fresh air play a part in this. But what makes this season so special are the countless life lessons that we are reminded of this time of year. 

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are octobers” 

-L.M Montgomery

There is beauty and strength in letting go

Learning to let go is a vital life skill. Just as trees lose their leaves so they’re not weighed down in the season to come, we also need to let go of what weighs us down. If we don’t, we risk dwelling on the past, halting our personal growth. Sometimes, we hold onto things we know we are better off without, or know deserves to be set free. There is strength in letting go.

Things to let go of this fall: regret, negative comparison, grudges, self-doubt, anger, avoidance, toxic relationships

Embrace change

When we see trees losing their foliage and skies becoming darker, it’s understandable why some see this as a negative change - but this is furthest from the truth. Leaves need to fall, plants need to go dormant, temperatures need to get colder. These changes make way so spring and summer can be reborn once again, with a fresh new start. Change allows us to move forward.

More than that, these changes allow us to reflect on things we may otherwise have taken for granted. Which brings us to the next lesson...

Nature affects our wellbeing

How often do you stop and reflect on the power nature has on your overall well-being? Let’s think about it. Have you ever noticed that in the spring and summertime, you likely feel enthusiastic, engerized or optimistic. As compared to the fall and wintertime, where you may feel a drop in mood and energy, and feel overall more lethargic? Coincidence? We don’t think so. 

Things like exposure to sunlight, breathing in the fresh air, surrounding ourselves with nature,  being physically active, and participating in activities that we love outdoors all influence our state of mind. And yet, as the seasons begin to change, the time we dedicate to these things begin to dwindle. It’s time we recognize the power nature (and weather) has on our mental and overall well being, and use this awareness to our advantage!

Instead of simply accepting the fact that the weather this time of year negatively influences our mood and energy levels, we should do whatever we can to minimize these effects. This means during the darker months we need to become more connected with nature and our participation in it. Sure we may have to be a bit more creative on how we spend our time outside, but we should embrace the season all the same.

Need some creative ideas on how to do that? Checkout our article!

Remember, even when it looks like it may be the end of the road, there is ALWAYS time to grow, change and live.