The Changing of Seasons

There is something about the change in seasons that brings out feeling of hope, excitement, and anticipation. It’s also where I find myself kicking into high-gear with planning, organizing, and clearing out the “old”. Seasons might just be my favorite part of living in New England.

Yet, I often find myself ready for the next season when it’s still weeks away, which can mean missing the opportunity to soak up every moment of the current season. Whether it’s enjoying that last snowfall, taking one last warm evening walk, or giving gratitude for the seemingly endless rain that brings the promise of new life.

Here we are, just a week from autumn (my favorite season!) and I’m very ready for it. Still, I love summer - the long lazy days, evenings filled with colorful sunsets, and lots of moments spent near the ocean. This year, of course, was far from a “typical” summer - and perhaps I am rushing ahead because I am hopeful that the next season will be different, will be better, will be more normal. Yet by doing that, I am missing those moments of savoring what is right in front of me. And I know I can’t be alone (not everyone is ready for all things pumpkin spice).

In these moments, I find that there are a few things that can help push back against the feelings of rushing ahead to the future.

Create a 1-2 Week “Bucket List”

What do you wish you had done this summer, but never got around to? Perhaps it was spending an evening reading your book outside, enjoying a cool glass of rose with a friend, grilling that new recipe, or going for an early morning run. Guess what?! It’s not too late. When there is a week or two left in a season, spend 10 minutes writing down the things you never got around to - and be intentional about getting to as many of them as you can. I promise you’ll be glad you did.

Sit Down With a Journal

When we get ahead of ourselves in planning for the next season, we often forget all of the great memories we created during the current season. Sit down for 30 minutes with a journal, or just a piece of paper, and write down your favorite moments of summer (or whichever season is coming to a close). You don’t need to write a novel, but include enough details that will help you remember when you look back in the years to come.

Organize Your Photos

Has anyone figured out how to stay on top of iPhone photo organization? If you have, PLEASE tell me your secrets. One way to help is to spend time at the end of the season organizing your photos into albums, deleting pics that you don’t love, and printing your absolute favorites. Spending an hour or two going through this process will allow for an opportunity to re-live the memories and help create space for capturing photos of the next season.

Plan!

While closing out one season, you can absolutely still create space to plan for the next. Create a new Pinterest Board, write out a seasonal bucket-list, schedule your fall cleaning, and sit down to reflect on what the changing of the season means to you at this moment. Make sure to identify what’s most important to you, and create a plan that allows you to prioritize those things. It will be the next season before you know it!