Fall is my favorite time of year. For me, it means all good things: relaxing in front of a cozy fire, making soup on Sunday afternoons, donning my well-worn leather jacket for long walks, and turning my attention to all those inside projects I neglected over the summer.
The colors, aromas, and industriousness that come with the fall season really appeal to me. But this hasn't always been the case. After my divorce, this time of year and all its romantic charm would leave me feeling rather melancholy. Nostalgia and wistfulness would creep in, and I just wanted to retreat into myself. For those who live alone, the month of October can be particularly challenging.
Not one to wallow in a "poor is me" state of mind, I began to develop and employ some strategies to rekindle my love of the fall season. It's a great time to mix it up, to get busy, and to take risks.
Below are elements of my annual fall game plan. Take a look and see if one or more of these suggestions might not add a little color to your life pallet this fall:
Tackle indoor projects. Fall is a great time to accomplish all those indoor projects that fell by the wayside in the warmer months. I have a long list and I keep it right in front of me -- a reminder that I have plenty to do. Idle time is not a friend at any time of year, but it can become downright unfriendly when the weather turns cold. Now is the time to keep busy: organize your storage space, donate items to the VOA, or plan next year's garden. There's nothing like feeling productive to beat the October blahs.
Get up and get going. Staying active when there's a chill in the air can be difficult. I can remember many a cold morning when all I wanted to do was pull up the covers and stay in bed for an extra hour or two. As nice as that can be from time to time, I don't recommend it for the long haul. On weekends (or during the week if you work at home), make a plan for your mornings. Whether it's meeting a friend for coffee or shopping for groceries, getting on with your day is important to your sense of well being.
Go outdoors. Sunshine and fresh air are invigorating, especially if you've been cooped up all day. I'm grateful every day for Lillie, my adorable Springer Spaniel, who needs to be walked twice a day. Do if feel like walking her all the time? No. Do I feel better after taking her out? Yes, without fail. Whether you have a dog to walk or not, make an effort to leave your house and get outdoors. It will help relieve feelings of isolation during the cold months.
Learn something new. Going back to school and fall go hand in hand. Who among us isn't reminded of the excitement (ok, and the terror) associated with retuning to school in the fall. This is a great time to expand your intellectual horizons. Each fall I identify some new skill or subject to master. Last year, it was making homemade vanilla; this year it's ballroom dancing. Continuing education opportunities are abundant in this community. Check out colleges and universities, community centers, arts and cultural institutions, and workshop listings in local newspapers for class and workshop offerings. Do it today.
Invite people in. Over the years, I've discovered a few simple and manageable ways to bring people into my world and into my home. One way is to organize a gathering around a TV show. Yes, a TV show, as pedantic as that may sound. One year, I invited my single friends over to watch West Wing with me on Wednesday nights. I provided the soup and salad; they provided the good company and change of pace. Football games, your favorite weekly sitcom, or Masterpiece Theatre - all these can become reasons to gather together with friends. The benefits? You'll hone your cooking skills (boy, do I now have some great soup recipes!) and you'll connect with people. What better way to enjoy a nice fall evening.
There are so many wonderful and meaningful strategies to enjoy the fall season and to ward off the blues that can sometimes emerge during this changing time of year. But these strategies require effort - conscious effort. If you are feeling sluggish, lonely, or isolated, try a few of the strategies above. They have stood me in good stead and have reinvigorated my love for the fall season. With a little "elbow grease," as my father would say, they can work for you, too.
