Now that September is upon us, fall is following close behind and that means, for most of us, trying to make some changes before the school year starts or work starts getting busier. Fall is one of my favorite season not because pumpkin spice lattes are going to be making a comeback or that I can break out my boots, but because it gives me a chance to really reflect and try to make some active changes to my usual lifestyle.
Try to spend money wisely. Instead of getting an item that you want because it is trendy or fancy, invest in experiences. Invest in doing things and living the world and keep trinkets to the back burner. Put your money in things that make sense and will be productive. A new fall wardrobe seems nice but maybe a trip to Paris or taking sailing lessons seems like a better way to be spending your money.
Detox your life. Recognize who you want to keep close with and those you need to start putting some distance between. Clean up your social media to only look at what you want to see. Clear your mind so that things feel like they are in balance. Life is filled with twists, turns, and life lessons and the only way to get ahead of it is to realize that you can control is how you can see it. Part of the process is to fully cleanse what you were exposed to.
Be open to all the possibilities. Complacency is the biggest resistance to change and the first person that has to recognize it is you. Being comfortable with the unknown shows growth and makes the growing pains feel less intense. Try to meet new people and gain new insights by exposing yourself to people that think differently from you. Be open to the idea that things can go any which way they want and as uncomfortable as it is, embrace it.
Learn to love yourself when you are alone. Companionship, relationships, or friendships steer our thinking in such a way that the only way to think about yourself is in the context of others. Be ok with your loneliness if it means that gain a greater understanding of yourself. Reflect on the way things are and be ok to change with the times. Go to the movies by yourself, drink a drink for one, or even fine dine a fancy restaurant, any activity that gets you to be on your own for awhile. Eventually it will come easily to gravitate to being by yourself.
Do not be afraid to try new things. Go on hikes by yourself or travel to a new place that you've never seen. Immerse yourself in experiences that enlighten you about who you are or even who you want to be. New experiences help overcome fears and gives you confidence in trying to tackle this life with a new sense of freedom.
Take care of your health. Be it mental or physical, do not ignore signs that you may be not at your best and do nothing. Make that appointment that you have avoided for months to years. Get a fresh haircut or a massage or take up yoga to give yourself a sense of balance. Invest in your body and mind so that the new season will come and go with ease and grace.
Overall, vow to make some changes this fall. Even just one thing to do for yourself can help you grab the reigns and take charge of your own life.
