When we look to the seasons for cues, we can use their changes as a way to remind us to do our own self-reflection.
I’m not a believer in resolutions on one particular day, whether the start of the new year or a birthday, and instead, I prefer to look to the seasons as my guide for self-reflection. We are about to embark on fall, the leaves are beginning to change color, and eventually, they will fall to the ground.
Before we become overrun with pumpkin spice everything, let’s take a beat to think of what we need to let go of in our lives. Like the trees, letting their leaves fall to the ground, what can we release our grasp of this season to simplify and reduce clutter both mentally and physically? Maybe for some folks that will be simplifying routines or dinner meals. For others, it might be clearing clutter from the house so that you can focus and see what is important to you. Maybe it’s being honest with ourselves and moving away from the habits of overachieving or perfectionism, and allowing this season to be a time of ease.
Take a few moments today and think about what you need to let go of to prepare for the season ahead. Jot down a quick list and then move into action on one item. It might not be a one-time task and then it’s completed type of project. Schedule one-hour time slots on your calendar. Scheduling your action items on your calendar means that they become a priority rather than a forgotten goal. Whether cleaning out a closet or renewing your goal of meal prepping, put it on the calendar to hold yourself accountable. Schedule out a specific amount of time to do the task. We don’t have to complete it; we only need to move into action.
If, for example, on your list, you wrote down “clean out the attic.” A great project to do when the weather becomes cooler! Go up into the attic and tackle one area, purge, and organize. This system will give you a greater reward. When we give ourselves time to reflect on what we visually saw while doing our task, we will be less likely to continue to hoard or hold onto sentimental items.
If you are letting go of perfectionism or overachieving, schedule time for your self-care. Read a book, take a bath, watch a show while doing a face mask. Once we have the momentum of action for any of our goals, we will feel better about our progress and want to continue succeeding.
What can you release this fall? What do you no longer need in your life? Let’s move away from the goal mindset of having the task completed and finished and instead celebrate being in action. I look forward to hearing what you are releasing your grasp on this season.
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