That's how I feel. Like I am able to breathe.
Deeply.
Over and over again.
I find the seasons fascinating. On one hand, I feel like we got a little ripped off because summer really didn't start until August around here. But still, just when I start to feel a bit frazzled, a bit overwhelmed from the non-stop action, the leaves start to change, the air gets cooler, the days shorter and life, well... somehow life seems to slow down a bit. There's something about fall. A sort of permission to pause for a second and breathe, reflect, renew.
Last fall was a blur. In fact, it was exactly this time last year when I realized something was definitely not right. It was the first week in October and both my sister and mother-in-law were in town to visit. I was laying on the ground and I couldn't get up. When I finally got up, I couldn't move because my back would cramp up. I sort of laughed about it because it was so ridiculous. I joked about how crappy c-section recovery was, but my gut was telling me something was not right.
I hardly left the house. When I did go for a drive I focused more on the bumps in the road that would leave me wincing in pain. I remember the leaves changing color, the streets being lit up with incredible red, yellow, or orange. It was beautiful, but really, I just wanted to get back home, put on my sweats, and try to get comfortable. I remember feeling a little angry at the time. I love fall. I wanted to go out and enjoy it. Instead, I observed - at a distance.
This year, I am reclaiming fall.
I will watch the changing colors.
I will sip pumpkin spice lattes.
I will make squash soup, stews and stir-fries.
I will dress up for Halloween.
I will walk on the crunchy leaves, maybe even roll around in them.
I will bake everything apple.
I will rake my yard.
I will turn my home into an oasis of coziness and inspiration.
I will watch football.
I will give thanks.
I will wear sweaters, scarves and boots.
I will accept the change.
Because really, every season has something to offer, and I for one don't want to miss any of it.
Peace and Pumpkins,
Kim
