Autumn's Joy

Does anyone else feel that autumn is THEIR season? It feels like a time when one's spirit awakens as nature prepares for its seasonal rest.

Autumn possesses a special charm that embodies everything I love: enjoying warm drinks in beloved mugs, smelling the aroma of seasonal candles, indulging in pumpkin spice lattes, snuggling up in turtlenecks and cashmere sweaters, wearing stylish boots, baking a plethora of treats, exploring corn maze labyrinths, and picking apples at my nearby orchard. A vibrant array of colors envelops us in rich golds, warm ambers, deep scarlet reds, and earthy browns. Luxuriant, diverse, and yet soothing to the senses.

It's early morning as I prepare myself to embrace this autumn day. The day kicks off with music - Nat King Cole's "Autumn Leaves" softly playing while I wake up (jazz has a special feel this season). I get ready for the day as I slip into my beloved burgundy turtleneck, 60's high-waisted black mini skirt, and black tights. Today's a day for gold jewelry to match the deep golden hues of the trees.

As I walk into the kitchen, I pull aside my luxurious olive curtains and let the morning's golden light flood in. My vanilla pumpkin-scented candle is lit and I set my kettle to boil for tea. The aroma of chai drifts from my cupboard, blending notes of cardamom, ginger, and black tea. I pour steaming water into my favorite mug, savoring the moment of tranquility as I breathe in deeply and gaze out the kitchen window. I watch my tea's mist swirling before me, embracing this pocket of peace. "It's a morning to savor outdoors," I murmur to myself, venturing into the backyard to welcome the crisp sunrise air. A gentle breeze rustles the crinkly leaves above, orchestrating a captivating dance of nature in symphony. I reflect on the challenges and losses of the season as the falling leaves serve as a humbling reminder. Letting go is hard, but necessary. Shaking off the melancholy, I remind myself that it's time for a stroll.

Gathering my trench coat and black boots on as I insert my earbuds, I step out of my front door for a morning walk. The "Mountain Music Morning" playlist sets the perfect tone as the Lumineers begin playing. The fresh air aids in clearing my mind, which has been indescribably cluttered lately. Finding beauty in the ordinary is not just a delight lately in life, but a necessary joy. The sun's rays illuminate the colorful leaves, and I hear the satisfying crunch of leaves beneath my boots. As I gaze down at the sidewalk covered in a myriad of leaf colors, I think to myself, "nature's confetti." It appears as though the trees are having a celebration. I reflect on what I can celebrate from this past week. I recall successfully baking my first batch of gluten-free cinnamon rolls, which surprisingly tasted delicious. As I approach the neighborhood park, I stand underneath a majestic arched walkway adorned with oaks, maples, and birches. Immersed in the tranquility of the moment, I envision releasing my challenges, worries, and losses as I watch the trees shedding what they no longer need to bear. It serves as an important reminder that we all are not meant to carry all of life's burdens.

During these moments, I appreciate the uncomplicated allure that autumn gives us. Gentle reminders of release and the discovery through moments of joy in that release. The difficulties and struggles we encounter - anxiety, suffering, grief, frustration, disillusionment - they emphasize opportunities and potential for this profound beauty of acceptance. A beauty that's discovered in the process of death as it clears the path for a new beginning. A change that, while sorrowful, eventually brings enjoyment once again. Every ending heralds a new beginning. This is the essence of autumn's joy.