"If a year was tucked inside a clock, then Autumn would be the magic hour."
-Vitoria Erikson
I've spent the past few autumns with mix feelings. I haven't always loved autumn, as I knew that winter was coming next which brings cold weather and bare trees. But as I've gotten older my views have begun to evolve and change. I no longer look at winter as this dead season but more as a waiting season. For me, autumn is now no longer the impending doom season but a colorful, warm hug... truly a celebration for your year until we go back into the beginning of the cycle again.
Lets make the most of this Autumn, lets celebrate your year, your accomplishments, where you are in life, your mind, self, and spirits.
Fall Essentials for Embracing this Season
List of things I'm thankful for Gratitude in general is a beautiful emotion and tool to harness that can really change your mindset on life. With thanksgiving in Autumn and the year coming to a close, find and point out what you appreciate around you.... your life may not look the exact same in a year.
Make Pumpkin things Try out this recipe for Pumpkin Bread (GF&V). One thing I love about fall is the seasonal eating. While this occurs in every season, its much more of a ritual during fall. Did you know that the food growing in season usually holds some nutrients we need during that season? Some other fun ideas to try are pumpkin pie or pumpkin soup!
Lay in the rain
With temp changes, brings rain. This is a form of grounding yourself that really jolts you back to the present moment. The cold, the sky, the calmness... it can be quite rejuvenating to the soul. Don't do this during a storm but try this out in a small sprinkle of rain.
Dry a colorful leaf The first thing I think of when I think fall is a colorful leaf. In the spring, I always find a cute flower and place inside a thick book for a month then reopen it and find this beautifully dried flower that I tape into my journal. During fall, I've begun doing this with the best leaf I can find on a sunset walk. Its a away of pulling me into the moment and remembering to be present.
Carve a pumpkin
This is one of my favorite traditions with my family and friends. There is something so joyous and simple about taking a break from our stressful lives to sit around a table and carve funny faces into a bright orange gourd!
Wear a fall outfit I'll the first to say, it's so easy to fall into the routine of throwing on a sweatshirt and pants and calling it a day, but I find when I put thought into my outfits and really attempt to feel the season, I enjoy it so much more. I even go back and reminisce on that outfit and how it made me feel that day later on. Give it try! It doesn't have to be an everyday thing, (that would get tiring), but every so often celebrate with your clothing.
Light a candle Fall has such distinct smells. I smell the smallest whiff of cinnamon and think "That smells like fall." Not only does a fall candle make the house smell amazing, it also create this sense of ambiance and is perfect for journaling or crafting time! When I"m having a hard day or things just don't feel right, this is a great go to!
Boil potpourri Again, with the smells! Nothing beats the smell of an all natural fall potpourri! Grab a pot of water, add some cinnamon sticks, a few orange slices, rosemary stems, a handful of cranberries, or maybe even some nutmeg and let that just simmer softly on your stove top... mhmmm the house smells so good! My life just seems more put together afterwards.
Harvest the garden It's that time of year. If you are a big gardener, you've been looking forward to this time of year. If you are new to gardening or you haven't started yet, now is the time to start your prep for spring! And depending on where you live, some things prefer to be planted in the fall before the freeze. Check your planting zones and get some sunshine outside! Gardening has such a healing effect on the mind.
Rewatch fall shows/movies
My personal favorites are Heartstopper and Gilmore Girls. Some other ideas are Hocus Pocus, A Good Girls Guide to Murder, Coco, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, or Dead Poets Society. I'm interested in seeing what you all suggest though! Comment some other fall show ideas!
Make soup! Who doesn't love a good hot soup on a chilly day? I hate to say it, but that used to be me. As a picky eater combining food into one bowl was my nightmare, but I have slowly began to find soups that I really crave and enjoy making. One you can try out this fall is a Thanksgiving Leftover Soup! So much food goes to waste during big holidays, but it doesn't have to, you can repurpose it into this amazing soup for an entirely new dish once your tired of eating those leftovers!
Read a fall book Last but FAR from least coming from a book lover herself, find yourself a fall book. Whether it be romance, mystery, fiction, fantasy... there are so many options! Here are some ideas: Romance: The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston Young Adult Romance: Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter Mystery: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden Young Adult Mystery: The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Fantasy: The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
Young adult Fantasy: Caraval By Stephanie Garber Fiction: Normal People By Sally Rooney Young Adult Fiction: Lessons in Vengeance by Victoria Lee
Graphic Novel: Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
This season is a celebration of YOU. So make your own fall essentials list and embrace every part of this season. If you'd like, I'd love to know some more ideas on your essentials and how you embrace the changes of the new season. Comment down below some of yours! I'll be posting on our Instagram (@beeveryera) some fall recipes, autumn journaling prompts, and uplifting reminders if you want to "Fall"ow along. Enjoy this celebration, change of season, and this ERA of your life. Have a lovely day,
Brooklyn.
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