So, How Did This Whole ‘Fall in Love in Fall’ Thing Even Start?
Alright, let me tell you, summer wrapped up, and I was kinda feeling… I dunno, a bit flat? You know how it is. The days get shorter, there’s that chill in the air. I wasn’t exactly sad, but I definitely needed a bit of a shake-up. I’d been cooped up, mostly sticking to the same old routines, and honestly, I was getting a bit tired of myself.
I remember just sitting there one afternoon, looking out the window. The leaves were starting to turn, all those yellows and reds. And I thought, “Man, I’m missing this.” I always say I love fall, but what was I actually doing to, like, experience it? Not much, that’s what.
Getting Myself Out There – The First Steps
So, I decided, right then and there, I was gonna make a change. Nothing crazy, mind you. I wasn’t about to go climb a mountain or anything. I just told myself, “Okay, every single morning, before the day really gets going, you’re gonna go outside.” Simple, right?
The first few days? Yeah, they were a bit rough. My bed was warm, the floor was cold. I’d stumble out, usually just into my little backyard or for a quick walk around the block. Sometimes it was still a bit dark. I’d just stand there, sipping my coffee, trying to wake up.
- I started noticing the air. How it felt different – crisp, clean.
- Then I started really looking at the leaves. Not just a glance, but actually seeing all the different colors.
- I made myself listen. Birds I didn’t usually hear, the rustle of leaves. The quiet.
It wasn’t some big spiritual awakening, not at first. It was more like, “Okay, I’m doing this. This is the thing I’m doing.” It felt a bit like a chore, if I’m honest. But I stuck with it.
And Then, Bam! It Just Clicked
I think it was about a week in. I went outside, and the sun was just starting to come up. It hit this one tree, and all the leaves just lit up like they were on fire. Gold, orange, deep red. And the air was so still. It was just… wow. I stood there for a good ten minutes, just soaking it in. And it wasn’t a chore anymore. Not at all.
That was the moment, I think. I actually felt it. This wasn’t just “looking at fall.” I was in it. I started looking forward to those mornings. I even bought a new, warmer jacket just for my little fall ritual. I’d find cool leaves, weird-shaped acorns. Silly stuff, maybe, but it made me happy.
I realized I was falling in love with the season all over again, but this time, it was like, an active thing. Not just saying “I love fall,” but actually making space for it, experiencing it with all my senses. The smell of damp earth, the crunch of leaves under my feet, the way the light changed.
So, What’s the Deal Now?
Well, I’m still doing it. Every morning. Rain or shine, though I admit if it’s pouring, my “outside” time might just be on the covered porch. But I make sure to get out there. It’s become my favorite part of the day. It clears my head, sets a good tone. I feel more connected, more… alive, I guess.
It’s funny, such a small change, but it really made a difference. I didn’t need some grand adventure. I just needed to step outside and pay attention. And that’s how I, well, how I fell in love with fall, for real this time. It’s not just a season anymore; it’s a feeling, a practice. And I’m gonna keep at it, long as these old bones let me.
