After the rapid progression of blooming and blossoming during summer, autumn sets in like a cozy, soft blanket on a chilly day. The leaves are gently transitioning to beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows. Life is quieter. This time of year offers opportunity for reflection, transformation, and connection. 

We’re well past half the year. Think back to where you were on New Year’s Day and how far you’ve come. The bright ideas you had with the promise of a new year ahead are still there and there’s still plenty of time to accomplish what you set out to do.

If your outlook and desires have completely shifted since the beginning of the year, now is a good time to reflect on why. Did something in your life change? Do you have new ideas? Be kind to yourself as you notice your growth and transformation. 

For me, the tone for the coming new year kicks off in autumn. This has shown up in different ways – a new job, launching a business, and committing to do two online shows in one year. 

Regardless of when you notice the opportunities of your coming year, now is a good time to decide what you want to let go of. Letting go of “to do’s” that don’t matter anymore, material items that simply take up space, goals that don’t feel right anymore, etc. is the healing gift of autumn.

By letting go, you’re able to welcome in new opportunities for growth. Nature helps us by setting an example – leaves are dropped now for growth and renewal in the spring. 

As the light shifts and the air is crisper, there is more of an incentive to enjoy time indoors and connect with others. The school year brings new playdates, back-to-school nights, and sporting events. Many businesses start their planning and forecasts for the new year around this time, which means meetings and visionary thinking. 

In many countries around the world, this time of year is for celebrating harvests and giving thanks. A practice that continually enhances my life is writing down what I’m grateful for. If this is something you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t yet, start today. Now is the best time to start. Write down at least three things you’re grateful for every day. Doing this trains your brain to look for the good things and creates new neural pathways to assist (more to come in next week’s blog post).

If you are in a mid-latitude area of the globe, t-shirts are replaced with long sleeves and flip-flops are switched out for slippers. Taking time for reflection, transformation, and connection is the true, secret signature of autumn, regardless of where you live.