The air is getting crisper, the days are getting shorter, and leaves are falling all around us. There is so much changing around us. It has technically been fall for a while now, but now that it is starting to feel like it, it has made me think.

As we pack away our shorts and swimsuits, we are excited to pull out our boots and sweaters. There is something about the change of wardrobe and season that is so easy but what about the changes within us?

Personally, there is something about being wrapped in a warm sweater and sipping hot apple cider that makes me pause and reflect on the past warmer months as well as the change around me. Autumn brings a sense of peace and quiet, but it takes a crackling fire to drown out the thoughts in my head. Only then can I focus on myself, who I have grown to be in this past season, and who I want to be in the next.

I think fall cleaning is an idea I have constructed from spring cleaning, but this isn't about a physical cleaning of the house or donating old clothes; this cleaning is more mental and emotional.

What kind of person do you want to be as the seasons change? Do you want to spend more time giving back to the community? Do you need to focus your energy on more things you enjoy? Do you need a change of environment?

I have never thought change was bad as long as it is meaningful. With Fall or spring cleaning, simply making an open-ended promise to myself does not change anything. Fall cleaning should have a positive impact on your life and your happiness. Still, change is scary. I am constantly worried about what people will think and even if I make a promise to change a part of myself and my life, I fail under the pressures of society.

One tip I have learned to make fall cleaning easier and more effective is to keep a journal. I have a journal for my relationship, a journal for my Bible, and a journal for myself. Although it seems excessive, this allows me to dedicate time to the most challenging and important parts of my daily life individually. Keeping a journal allows you to read past entries and study your emotions at a certain time in your life. What made you feel that way and what did you get out of it?

A second tip is to find inspiration on social media. So many Youtubers share videos about journaling and give outlines to follow if you feel completely lost. I love Kalyn Nicholson and she is my inspiration to do a mental fall cleaning. Once you find your inspiration and motivation, you can effectively process through your mental and emotional health and come out feeling refreshed.

This change of the seasons allows us the chance to change and rebuild ourselves for the better.

My emotional spring cleaning allowed me to filter through my emotions after being cooped up inside all fall and winter. So, now I am preparing myself to go into this season of solitude and celebration with more confidence and happiness than I did last year.

So, as the holiday season approaches and we start wearing more layers, we have more free time as we try to stay warm indoors. I encourage you to purchase a journal or mentally work through your thoughts and emotions. This way, we can all go into this new season as the best versions of ourselves.