Although it marks a transition to shorter days and colder weather, there is no more beautiful time of the year in the northeastern United States than the fall.
Whether you take time off, as my wife and I did, to take a trip to do “leaf peeping” with some good friends, or whether you enjoy the change of seasons at home, it is a special time – if you make it so.
Some people approach the fall season negatively – silently cursing the shorter days and fearing a harsh winter that will restrict their mobility and increase their heating bills. Some wait for their Seasonal Affective Disorder to set in – with a degree of anticipation that pretty much guarantees that they will have it.
The positively oriented individual, however, thrives on the beauty of the season and builds emotional muscle from the challenges and opportunities that arrive during each time of transition.
If you traditionally are a disinterested spectator as the seasons pass, I strongly encourage you to resolve to be a participant. Every season has its own pattern of beauty but fall is especially beautiful in most places. You can add to your enjoyment of the current season by developing the attitude of being in touch with nature.
Falling leaves can be admired or they can be cursed because they have to be raked. Mornings can be described as cold or brisk and helping us to feel alive.
Daylight hours are shorter but that gives us longer evenings to spend with loved ones or to pursue indoor interests.
And if fall isn’t your favorite season, you are getting closer to a season that you enjoy more.
It all depends on how you look at it. If you start by appreciating the beauty of nature, a positive outlook is almost sure to follow.