Fall is without a doubt my favorite season. Now this isn't because of Halloween, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, sweater weather or any of the other (somewhat trivial) reasons people enjoy the season. Fall is my favorite time of year for a much different reason.

It's all about the leaves.

I'm sure everyone can agree that seeing the leaves change is one of the most significant and visual aspects of fall. As beautiful as the burnt oranges and crimson reds of the leaves may be, do remember that the appearance of these warm tones are a sign that the leaves are dying, not to mention that trees go through this transition every year. They shed their leaves as a means of getting rid of unneeded excess in preparation for winter.

The changing of the leaves serves as an annual reminder that we should follow the lead of the trees and remove anything dead or unnecessary from our lives. While some may like to do spring cleaning, I like to do a little Autumn cleaning each year. Here are three "dead" things that the changing of the leaves reminds to let go of every time Fall rolls around.

1. "Friends" who bring around nothing but negativity.

Listen to me and listen well. A friend who does nothing but bring negativity around is NOT a friend. Friends are supposed to uplift and encourage you, not point out your flaws and take advantage of every opportunity possible to omit negative vibes. If you've ever found yourself questioning the esteem of a friendship, Fall is the perfect time to evaluate if it deserves the ax.

2. Old, drawn out grudges.

On the other end of the spectrum, Fall could signify a time to stop holding onto a grudge that has been long dead. It takes so much more energy to be upset with someone than it does to fix things. For all you know, the other person has totally moved on yet here you are investing so much energy into being upset. When you hold grudges, your hands aren't free to catch blessings.

3. Bad habits that seem unbreakable.

For me, it's nail biting. I know it's gross..please don't judge me. We all have bad habits that we strive to get under control. Use the change of the seasons as motivation to change yourself for the better. I know firsthand that this is easier said than done, but let's be real here, you'll feel ten times better once you're finally able to let that nasty habit die for good.

While I'm sure this list could drone on and on with things we should shed from our lives, you get the picture. What's dead is dead and there is no need to hold on to it. By removing unnecessary things from your life, you'll feel so much more liberated and free...maybe even like a weight has been lifted off of your shoulders. From now on, allow the changing of the leaves the signal that it's time for you to make a change in your own life. When in doubt, just