How To Get Excited For Fall Even After 200 Days Of Lockdown
Each year when autumn rolls around, there’s a crispness in the air that’s hard to ignore. The end of summer signifies some big changes: the start of the school year, the drop in temperature, comforting soup season, etc. But there’s also an overarching symbolism in this change of season — one that points to renewal and rebirth. Autumn is the season of change, the opportunity to reset your intentions and self-reflect. It’s a magical time that we shouldn’t let pass us by unnoticed, despite the hardships of this year.
The significance of fall – explained.
The commonly known symbolism behind this season is rooted in spirituality. The fall equinox, for example, symbolizes harvest. Whether that be harvesting plants in your garden, or “harvesting” the intentions for your life set earlier in the year. Either way, it’s a chance to reflect on the year so far, and to gain a sense of perspective for what’s to come. It also marks the beginning of Libra Season, the astrological sign symbolized by scales. This season, fittingly, represents a time to slow down and strive for balance in your life.
The symbolism of the falling leaves is quite powerful too; it’s one that resonates strongly this year. A dramatic motif for letting things go, the changing colors of the leaves remind us that change is both inevitable and beautiful. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to release the baggage of this year.
2020 has offered little to mark the passing of time. For many of us, our typical annual milestones – like summer weddings, birthday parties and the first day of school – were either halted or were celebrated in a “less-than-grand” manner than originally anticipated. Despite the reality of our current situation, I’m trying my best to get excited about the season change. Along with acknowledging the beauty of fall, comes the embrace of it. Since I’m a summer girl at heart, I always go through a stage of sadness and denial before accepting the inevitable arrival of autumn. But here’s the thing: once I’m over that hump, the cute and cozy activities of the season are waiting on the other side. And this year is no exception.
Here are a few tips on how to avoid an anticlimactic autumn, and how to get amped up for fall — pandemic and all.
Fall Activities To Add To Your List:
Embrace the season of warm comfort food
A major plus to the colder weather is the ability to welcome cozy foods and drinks back into your life and diet. As your desire to switch from iced coffee and cold sushi sets in, a completely different palate opens up. Soups, stews, and seasonal loaves come to mind, as do dirty chai and pumpkin spice lattes. Consider spending an afternoon dreaming up all of the fall-themed recipes you want to try, and plan to make a few each week. If you’re looking for a place to start, I recommend this Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili.
Take out your camera (or phone)
Fall is a gorgeous time for photography. Of course, the changing colors of the foliage make for both a stunning photo subject or a portrait backdrop. These are reasons enough to grab your camera and head to a park, beach or even university campus to snap pictures. There’s also something about the sunlight this time of year that is particularly golden. Even if you’re just shooting from your balcony, don’t miss this chance to capture the sparkling light of fall.
Get creative with your clothes
Autumn just may be the best season for fashion. While summer requires dressing for humidity, and winter weather means bundling up, fall hits a sweet, middle spot. Warm-but-not-too-warm weather means layering options and endless possibilities. Light jackets that you can wear unzipped, boots that aren’t practical for winter (but perfectly stylish), scarfs that serve no purpose… aren’t these just the ultimate delights? Fall is the best time to mix and match the contents of your closet without worrying about drastic weather.
Reflect on your goals and routine
To fully embrace the rejuvenating energy that comes with fall, why not check in with your intentions for the remainder of the year? We have three months left of 2020, and while your goals may not be aligned with your New Year’s Resolutions (how naive were we back then?) it’s not too late to evaluate progress on any revised goals you may currently have. Setting a plan or two for the next few months might help uplift and inspire you.
Similarly, the carefree energy of summer may have gotten you into a routine that you’d like to rethink, such as a daily alcoholic beverage or going over your personal spending budget. Now is a great time to be honest with yourself and evaluate if there’s anything you’d like to change in your daily habits. Remember, ‘tis the season of balance and renewal.
Plan something for Halloween
It’s more than likely that Halloween will look very different this year. While the streets may not be filled with trick-or-treaters, and costume parties could be a no-go, planning something to do on October 31st is sure to get you in the spooky season mood. Maybe plan a costume “party” with you and your roommates or partner (if you have them), decide on a few scary films to revisit or make a list of Halloween snacks to buy.
Are you enjoying the start of fall? How are you welcoming the change of season? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on our Instagram!
Ashley is a freelance writer and on-going contributor at TFD based in Toronto. An avid traveler, she recently returned home to Canada after two years living abroad in Vietnam and Japan. She loves to read, try new things in the kitchen and get outside. You can learn more about her work here and can follow her adventures on Instagram @ashley_corb.
Image via Pexels
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