Autumn – a season of change. The leaves develop into hues of red and orange, the sun settles into bed a bit earlier, and summer bids its last farewell. Compared to the leisurely pool-side energy of the summer season, autumn represents a collective push towards order and growth. Children are going back into the routine of school; adults return from their summer holiday, squirrels and chipmunks begin their preparation for winter, while farmers harvest the seeds they have been sewing throughout the warmer months. Even astrologically, during this time, Virgo, the sixth sign in the zodiac, represents organization and order.
The resolutions we made at the beginning of the year may seem so far away. Perhaps some goals have come to fruition throughout the last months, but perhaps there are tasks we continue to put off out of fear, laziness, or procrastination. However, it is time to let go of habits that have been holding you back this spring and summer. The ideas and goals you have been ruminating on throughout the year are like the seeds made for harvest. Some seeds may have received lots of water and attention throughout this year, some seeds may have been planted but neglected over time. Yet, to have the harvest you have been seeking from the start of the year, we must give equal attention to all our desires and dreams and not only water the seeds that are in easy-to-reach places.
It is nearly part of the American identity to be progress oriented. Our capitalist society inherently values work-based tendencies throughout our lives, whether it is through achievements in education, career, finances, or social life. However, although the pressure to be working towards goals is continually present, that doesn’t necessarily mean that executing these goals is any easier. Without constant progress it is easy to view this lack as failure which often leads to a lack in motivation. In particular, the resolutions we set at the beginning of the year can seem more threatening than ever when little to no progress has been made months later. However, in light of the changing season, now is a time to reflect on what you really want. It is a time to recognize areas of your life where you feel unhappy or unsatisfied and critically think how you can change those circumstances. The kick-start of a new season is an amazing excuse to delve into self-growth, especially during autumn when there seems to be a collective push for change.
Make resolutions starting now. Perhaps the resolutions you made in January aren’t the same goals you desire now. As you’ve progressed throughout the year, new ideas and experiences have likely shaped the way you perceive yourself, the world, and your desires. Give yourself permission to re-evaluate where you’re at and re-calibrate where you want to be. It is easy to view the near-end of the year as “too late” or “too far gone”, when instead it can be a time of great internal understanding and reflection. It may be beneficial to write out a list of the things in your life that are serving you and the things in your life that no longer bring you joy. By having that conscious awareness of where you’re at and where you want to be by the time 2020 is here you are not merely floating through life, you are allowing good things in and blocking bad things out.
This doesn’t mean that you need to go into a panicked frenzy trying to meet all your goals by the end of the year. Instead, it is merely an exercise of self-awareness and checking in on oneself. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives it can be difficult to take time to really evaluate where we’re at. However, hopefully the change into the autumn season inspires you to make that effort for yourself, because you deserve it.