Throughout most of my life, I have not always had an appreciation for the beauty of autumn. I did not find any comfort in the rich tapestry of autumn colors; the cooler, and the crisp air of autumn served more as a reminder that the harsh cold of winter would soon be upon us. While the beauty of the season was so evident to others, I mourned the loss of warm summer days with short sleeve shirts, shorts and walking in my backyard in my bare feet.
As I grew older, and life slowed down a bit, I came to appreciate autumn as a time when I could reflect on the past year, taking stock of personal growth, and thoughts of the near future. I found that autumn allowed me to embrace change not only in the seasons, but in my life, and to focus on the beauty of just letting go. I now find comfort in my wearing of cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and gatherings such as Oktoberfest, when I get to share time with loved ones. In many respects, these rituals serve as a metaphor for finding warmth and connection amid the changing seasons of my life.
I now view autumn as a season that encourages me to appreciate the present moment, honor the past, and look forward with hope and anticipation; it has become a mirror of my inner being, and the cycles I navigate through my life’s journey. It is no longer a time I mourn the loss of summer; autumn is now, for me, a season where I can enjoy its visual splendor, and the sense of transition and preparation it embodies. May it become a profound and cherished time of year for all of you.