We need to remember we are human and not machine-like. This fast-paced world has us spinning sometimes and it’s in these seasons we need to slow down and reset.
My soul loves fall most of all. There is a breath to be taken here. An exhale that has had a long summer and needs to be let out. There is something about the colors of those leaves that speak to me. The settling in and quieting down in this busy world. The slower pace. The flavors and scents. It all makes me feel the most alive. Last week at our co-op I was reminded that the leaves are in fact these amazing colors and it’s the chlorophyll that gives them this green color year round and that only in the fall can we see their true beauty.
The Magic of Fall
Us fall lovers may be onto something. Something magical may be happening to us in the fall as well. When we have a chance to slow down and catch our breath maybe that is when we are our truest versions of ourselves as well. It may not be photosynthesis, but something happens during this time of year in my soul. I often reflect on what this year held and what I accomplished or attempted, how much I loved or poured into others, and how I spoke to myself. (that powerful inner voice) some of these answers leave me grateful and some of them leave me ready for the new year and another go at goals and dreams.
Fall reminds me to slow down. Fall has me saying yes less and no more. It has me staying in rather than rushing around and I think in this day and age we all need that. We all need a reset time. Sundays are also good for that. For stopping. Rest is so underrated.
Fall surprised me this year. As summer said goodbye winter made a weekend visit and we all felt robbed of the transition between the two seasons. But here it is. Making a late arrival like the bell of the ball. The colors are vibrant on the leaves as we drive into town. We have had a handful of chili cookouts with friends in flannels and cider on the stove. Children bundled up more than last month running around with that same joy on their faces. Cheeks are just a little more red.
I hope that fall takes its time. I hope it goes slow and lets all rest in its arms like a sleeping baby to its mother. I need the rest. I need the slow. I need the color to return to its normal shade and not the shade of survival and hustle that I have been in since moving across the United States to build a barndo when we bought land. It may not be photosynthesis, but something happens to us humans in the fall right along with those leaves as they change colors and fall to the ground.
Every muscle my husband and I share is sore, every bone tired. We can eagerly see the finish line as we work on baseboards and final touches. But it has been a long road. With many seasons. This will be our third fall in Tennessee. And growing up in California I had never experienced real weather. To live in a place that has all four seasons is amazing. I had my first real winter here and enjoyed the thirty-minute drive to several lakes during the summer. I have yet to explore the Smokey Mountains and many other places to hike in spring and fall. Those sore muscles from the hustle will need rest and recovery before we begin to explore what they should be used for.
Everyone Has a Favorite
Some love summer, some love winter. Many of the women in my life have a love for fall as well.
As fall soccer ends, and I have one less hat to wear I look forward to winter break from our homeschool co-op and even a month break from my daughter's gymnastics. It is almost an undoing of our schedule, and I am eager to enjoy the flow of fewer commitments. What does fall do for you and your family? Is it your slow time? Do you have a tradition that the change of the season brings to your home each year? I am trying to keep traditions for my twins. We always decorate for fall on Labor Day weekend, and I try to bring in fall scents and fall recipes during this time as well. Pumpkin and clove start to take over our taste buds and we smell the scents of oil burning or candles illuminating spaces in our home.
No One Is a Machine
Not sure what mother nature has in store for winter but as I watch the leaves fall and the bare branches take the place of the most vibrant color palette, I hope fall slows down a bit before winter arrives. Just like nature has a reset, us humans need a reset too. We need to remember we are human and not machine-like. This fast-paced world has us spinning sometimes and it’s in these seasons we need to slow down and reset. Maybe even learning that we do not need to return to that fast pace next spring.
My soul loves fall most of all. As I write this, we have been in our barndo for a week. We have been living in a travel trailer for 2 years and 5 months, so this fall is extra special as we get to gather in our home and rest in God's calling that we help build ourselves. In the seasons of struggle, we do our best growing. But like everything growth requires rest so I hope that this fall season will give my family all the rest they need. Be it in mind, body, or spirit so we can share his love next spring when we all emerge outdoors again after our cold isolating winters. May your fall be cozy and tasteful and full of reflection as well. Let’s all use this season to rest in him and be reminded of his blessings. The many blessings he has given us and the many he has planned for us that we do not even know about yet. Yes, it’s safe to say my soul loves fall most of all.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/MarianVejcik
Kimberly Trigo has always loved writing. It started with poetry when she was a teenager. Kimberly is a stay-at-home mom homeschooling her twins and building a Barndo with her husband—so life is busy! She works part-time in finance and loves helping people succeed financially. Lots of hats, but her most favorite hat of all is motherhood.
