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The Joys and Anxieties of Autumn: A Personal Reflection
As summer fades, I find myself in a bit of a frenzy. The carefree picnics of Independence Day signal that the season is slipping away. By mid-July, stores are already swapping out the beach gear for stacks of school supplies and cozy sweaters. Magazines tease us with their August editions, showcasing fall plaids and chunky boots. Deep down, I know summer has just begun, but mentally, I can’t help but fixate on how quickly time is passing. Before long, those long summer evenings will vanish into chilly, dark winter nights, and I’ll struggle to stay awake past 9 p.m.
Fall: A Mixed Bag of Emotions
And then there’s fall. Honestly, I’ve never been a huge fan. It’s not only about the days getting shorter; it’s also the pressure that comes with it. As a child, fall meant returning to the classroom, trapped under harsh fluorescent lights after blissful summers spent at camps or splashing in pools. Sure, I was excited about fresh crayons and a new outfit for the first day of school, but August always felt like a countdown to the inevitable return to school.
As an adult, the anxiety associated with summer’s end has lessened, especially since I no longer have the luxury of a summer break. Yet, it still signifies the end of a laid-back season. TV shows go on hiatus, outdoor movie nights end, and the sandals go back into the closet in favor of wool skirts and hot drinks inside. It’s a signal to buckle down and get serious again.
Finding Joy in the Season
After a few years in the corporate world, I transitioned to teaching, which granted me a more relaxed summer schedule again. Teaching comes with its own unique challenges, including a longer to-do list filled with organizing, car maintenance, and doctor visits. Plus, long summer days with kids can be exhausting; they want to stay up late and wake up at the crack of dawn!
However, when I reflect on early fall, I actually find joy in it. The weather becomes more pleasant, allowing me to enjoy outdoor cafes with a light jacket. When caramel apples hit the grocery store, I indulge in at least one a week, savoring that sweet-tart flavor until next year. The crunch of leaves underfoot adds a satisfying element to my walks, and I look forward to the pumpkins, costumes, and festivities of Halloween.
Embracing the Change
As I age, I’ve noticed I spend more time indoors with the AC blasting during the summer; I can’t believe I once relished those long, hot days by the pool. I find myself eagerly anticipating the cooler afternoons that follow Labor Day. Here in Colorado, fall can be unpredictable, with early snows that can devastate my garden overnight. But those frosty mornings are often followed by beautiful, clear days in the 60s, perfect for admiring the golden Aspen leaves cascading down the mountains.
When I start to dread the arrival of fall, I often realize I’m rushing ahead to winter instead of savoring the current season. This year, I plan to embrace fall fully by donning my favorite long-sleeved shirt and enjoying cider outside while the chrysanthemums bloom. I’ll do my best to resist thoughts of winter creeping in—that’s a whole different story!
Further Reading
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In summary, while the end of summer can bring about a mix of anxiety and nostalgia, embracing the changes and beauty of fall can lead to unexpected joys.