The ground outside is absolutely covered in a blanket of autumn leaves. We live in a house surrounded by trees, and while it sounds charming, one of the drawbacks is that this time of year it is impossible to keep up with the daily drop of leaves. Another year, another endless amount of leaves to pick up. Should I dread this time of year, or can I celebrate it as a new beginning of sorts? As much as I don’t want it to be, grief and pain is always stirred up for me this time of year.

In some ways Fall represents the beginning of the end. The beginning of the end of another year of growth. I myself actually love the Summer. It is a sweet adventure and a time to travel, plus being outside more just makes me feel alive, even just thinking about it! Fall. I somewhat dread this time of year. How can I slow down and savor it? How can I enjoy the beauty of it and not worry about getting everything so right? Maybe learning to embrace it will actually help slow down, to embrace the fact that this environment brings limitations for me. Maybe just acknowledging that I might need to grieve some more will help me to embrace the moments carved out for celebration.

I can think of a few things I like. Beeswax candles, baking, fires, gifts, being cozy, watching movies together, walking on a fresh carpet of fallen leaves, or a blanket of snow. Even when I know it won’t always be my favorite, I can still see the magic in it.

There has been a sweet wind lately, a comforting breeze as I have been walking in my neighborhood. Even today, I see a small breeze blowing the leaves. I can watch one leaf and follow it all the way to the ground. Maybe I can embrace this in a new way and truly cherish what this season has to offer. Just like I can cherish different seasons in my life or in my kids lives. The journey can teach me. Not everything will be perfect. There might even be some grief. Joy can still endure. Joy can persevere.