The golden lesson of changing seasons

Right now, outside my window, the afternoon light is catching the leaves as they turn from green to gold.

Their brilliance is dazzling.

As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, I notice how the urge to hibernate creeps up on me.

(The joys of chronic illness too, perhaps.)

I’ve spent much of the last few weeks needing at least one nap a day, sometimes two. Some days I fight the urge and remain stoically upright; others, I know when to quit and cede the floor to the overwhelming fatigue.

It's funny how the change in seasons can affect some of us so much.

Perhaps they’re nature’s checkpoints, asking us to tune in to what we need.

A warmer jumper, or a cooler t-shirt?

The company of friends, or companionable silence?

To build, create, and make, or to store, conserve, and respect?

The desire to be productive a month ago, which fizzed through my veins like restless bees, has given way to a little condensation on the windows of my soul.

And that’s okay.

Recognising my current energy levels, I can listen to the thought that I “should” work on a new project and be a gentle and patient friend to myself.

I can focus on what really must be done, remind myself as ever to set aside my guilt, and prioritise gentle self-care by:

• Eating good food (and enjoying autumn’s bounty)

• Watching gently funny TV and having a laugh

• Regular hot baths (a self-care cliche, but they can help ward off depression)

• Having connecting conversations that remind me I’m not alone

Listening to what we need is ongoing practice, one where I remain a poor, erratic, and undisciplined student.

But at this time of year, the lessons come dressed in gold.

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/red-orange-and-green-leaves-during-daytime-33817/