Falling Forward

The Anticipation & Comfort of Awaiting a New Season (Both Seasonally & Spiritually)

We’ve officially entered the “ber” Months. * The seasonal shift is here, and I am here for it. While 90-degree weather has it feeling far from fall here in Georgia, soon these warm and sultry sunny days will give way to the brisk fall air and crisp leaves. The sweaters will re-emerge, the spiced drinks will return, and the soups will simmer, inviting the cozy embrace of fall. Every year, I look forward to the season with giddy anticipation, but this year I found myself yearning for the season even more.

As the dog days of summer drag on, I get more antsy awaiting the autumn days. At first, I thought it was the hot, humid weather and my injured left Achilles, that kept me and the kids bound inside, that made the days long, boring, and uncomfortable. But I realized it wasn’t the coolness of autumn or the summer adventures I was craving — I was craving comfort.

I find comfort in the rhythms, routines, and traditions of the fall season. The fall candles and decor, pumpkin spice lattes, sweater weather, Gilmore Girl re-runs, soups, and chili — these fall comforts are like a warm embrace after a long journey back home. With warmth and hospitality, I am greeted and invited to slow down, reflect gratitude, and relish the comforts of the season before I am jovially ushered into end-of-year tidings. September is the time we settle back into our rhythms and routines, and by the time we get to October, fall is well underway. Halloween (or if you were in my house, Hallelujah Night [ifyky]) serves as the holiday kickoff as we gear up for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Then, we wrap up the season brimming with hope and anticipation for the New Year. It’s a season of equal parts self-reflection, celebration, and anticipation.

I believe that’s why I struggle with other seasons, unlike spring, summer, and winter, fall gives me something to look forward to. Not necessarily the start of something new, but the return to something old and familiar. These days I have felt so untethered, like most things are up in the air— life, faith, family, work, finances — but something about fall reminds me that I have opportunities to be grounded.

Grounded in my faith. I can easily get caught up in the windstorms of worries and anxieties that threaten everyday life. These windstorms have the ability to violently uproot my faith if I’m not vigilantly and proactively protecting my mind and thoughts. I may not be able to control the storms, but I can trust the God who can. I love how Jeremiah 17:7-8 (AMP) puts it:

“Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts and relies on the Lord

And whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord.

For he will be [nourished] like a tree planted by the waters,

That spreads out its roots by the river;

And will not fear the heat when it comes;

But its leaves will be green and moist. And it will not be anixous and concerned in a year of drought

Nor stop bearing fruit.”

Grounded in my rhythms and routines. As my oldest son approaches three and my twins are steadily growing out of the “taby” (technically toddlers but still basically babies) stage, they are demanding much more of my time and energy. They are non-stop and will not be slowing down any time soon. The reality is that they are getting older and busier, and with me still slowly recovering from my injury and the weather cooling down, I want to make sure I have more activities on hand and routines in place that can keep them occupied and me sane. I am currently working on creating a new schedule for them, as well as seasonal sensory activities and crafts in Notion, where I keep our family command center. I am also still in the process of figuring out what work looks like in this season as I continue to grow my business and career. I rely on both digital and paper planning to stay on top of all our work and family routines and activities. Doing so helps me feel grounded and better equipped to tackle my day.

Grounded in my relationships. Ever since entering motherhood, maintaining relationships has been a challenge. Sometimes it’s not that I don’t have the time or opportunity to connect; I don’t have the energy. Long days with the kids leave this introvert drained, and in my spare time, I am mostly trying to preserve and energize my battery. However, I find that when I make time to go on a date night with my husband or hang out with a friend, I never regret the time well spent. I would love to start hosting this fall, inviting friends over for meaningful moments to connect and refresh. My husband and I’s 5th wedding anniversary is also coming up in late October, and while we won’t be able to spend it how we originally planned, I want to cherish and celebrate it.

Grounded in my identity. For so long I have placed my identity in doing, that I never really focused on the being or living parts of my life and purpose. I’ve been learning how to be grounded in my worth and value outside of productivity and performance. Not in what I can do or give but simply in who I am. Knowing and believing at my core that that’s enough.

While I am still eager for fall, I realize that I don’t have to wait for a new season to find beauty and comfort. Comfort and peace can be experienced when I open my eyes to see the opportunities to be grounded, grateful, and more importantly faithful in the right here and right now. What a beautiful and freeing seasonal and spiritual reminder. 🫶🏾

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