Everything is different in 2020, including how we experience the seasons.  The summer was spectacular weather-wise (sometimes a little too hot) and everyone was desperate to connect to sand, water and people.  It’s no surprise that the beaches were crowded with little social distancing and I didn’t get in as many beach days as I intended because of the crowds.  August and September whizzed by, but luckily my disappointment was quickly replaced with excitement and gratitude for Autumn.   

What is there to not love about Autumn? Harvest, Thanksgiving, Halloween, blue skies, vibrant colours, pumpkins, harvest moons, and sweatered evenings. I’m craving these things more than ever, and I swear the fall colours are the most vibrant I have seen in years and are almost neon.  

I usually find Autumn very motivating, similar to a New Year blitz of resolutions!  During past Autumns, I’ve found myself wanting to write, can tomatoes, make jam, take Spanish and piano lessons. Motivation overload.  It’s different this year-still beautiful, but with the COVID numbers on the rise, the challenges in health care and schools, the never-ending political madness, and not seeing loved ones, I don’t feel as excited or motivated.   How about you?  Do you miss the excitement and anticipation that we all usually sense in Autumn?  Are you feeling overwhelmed with so much ambiguity?  Sad that you are not gathering for a traditional meal?

I can’t remember a time when we have collectively had such little control over our lives.  Unfortunately, there is very little that we can control except for taking care of our bubble, following protocols, and consistently making our self-care a priority.  

The colours are so breathtaking at the moment that I’m trying to get out every day for a walk, even if it is only for 15 minutes.  Walking in the woods on a sunny day when the leaves are bursting with red, orange and gold hues brings one into the present moment instantly. You can’t possibly be thinking about anything else when you are in the midst of such beauty. Fear, worries, and anxiety seem to float away in this environment. 

The harvest can be a perfect metaphor for our lives when it comes to patience and faith.    How and what you sow will determine a strong or weak harvest.  Autumn is the season of thanksgiving and contemplation and is an excellent time to take stock and reflect on how your year has gone-the the good, the bad and the ugly. It is time to be still and quiet, and listen. 

Take time for yourself. Find things to be grateful for and be prepared for continued uncertainty.  

Be well.

Anita

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

The farmer has patience and trusts the process. He just has the faith and deep understanding that through his daily efforts, the harvest will come. And then one day, almost out of nowhere, it does.

Robin Sharma