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The statement, “You give us 22 minutes, we give you the world.” brings back so many memories from my elementary and high school years (#iykyk). This was the tagline for 1010 WINS, a NY news radio station on the AM dial that played in our home EVERY morning. 1010 WINS was THEEE consistent voice for the weather, the stock market and the local, national and global news. As a child growing up in the 70s, before cable and local news that dominated morning time slots, 1010 WINS gave me a worldview, of sorts.
We now know that the news is not the best way to start the day; it’s full of unsettling events that can set the tone for an unsettled day. However, on that day in the late 1970s, I heard a statement that would inform how I view the season of fall even now.
Through the speaker of a clock radio strategically placed on a formica kitchen counter, the announcer said that the fall was a sports lover's dream and I immediately wondered why. He must have heard my childlike wonder and went on to explain that fall was dreamy because baseball season was ending, football season was getting a good grip (pun intended) and basketball and hockey seasons would start soon. I understood the significance of the fall in that moment; although all good things must come to an end, there was also the excitement and anticipation for what the future held. It also meant that in a house where the one color television my parents owned was controlled by my father who was an avid sports fan, all other television shows until at least early February would be watched on the black and white television downstairs … the television that was directly in front of the front door which was also the coldest room in the house and not a prime location for TV watching.
During my mid 20s and throughout my 30s, fall was an emotionally volatile time of the year for me. It was a time when I experienced more loss than other times of the year. I lost relationships, I lost jobs, I lost dear friends and often times I lost focus and perseverance. However, throughout these losses, I remembered that baseball is ending and basketball is beginning soon. And as such, life goes on.
As I mature, I have come to realize and accept that fall symbolizes the opportunity to release and let go. The leaves falling from the branches remind us that we will land safely. I have shifted from how I used to feel about the fall and now welcome this season as a time to reflect on the fiery and fun energy of the summer and also a space to plan for the winter. This time of year allows me to enjoy the beautiful colors of the outdoors wrapped in warm scarves, sweaters with rich, earthy hues and boots made of leather and suede.
As a gardener, the fall season also marks a transitional period as l pick the final tomatoes, peppers and okra from plants that I started in the spring. It also symbolizes an excitement as I re-energize the soil with nutrients and plant seeds that will produce a variety of greens such as cabbage, kale, collards, mustards, and various salad mixes through winter. Autumn allows us to look at what we have achieved over the summer and think about the direction we see ourselves moving through the fall and into the winter.
I would like to encourage you to reflect through journaling, conversation or daydreaming on what the season of fall traditionally has meant to you. Think about the seeds you are planting this season and consider how you will intentionally conserve your energy and allow yourself space to grow as you rest and reset during the colder months. Give yourself permission to snuggle under the covers as the temperatures cool down. Allow yourself to indulge in a nutty, pumpkin-ey or cinnamon-spiced treat. Or, maybe find your favorite fall sweater or scarf (or treat yourself to a new one) and wrap yourself in it. Find comfort in this season and please, create some space to rest.
I’d love to hear your reflections on the fall. Please comment on my blog, email them to me or share them on my socials. I’ve written a journal, Grow Your Garden, that shows you the parallels between your growth and development as you observe the beauty of nature that is all around you. You can pick up a copy here.
I’m also hosting a special retreat to Greece in July, 2024 and would love for you to join us. You can learn more about it here.
I am wishing you a fall season that is as wonderful as YOU are!
Love and light always...and in all ways,
Vee
Fall has always been hard for me. I'm starting to realize I need to create or experience something new so that I can move past this. Thank you for sharing.