Why fall stands out among the rest

As per the 2024 calendar, Sept. 22 officially marks the first day of autumn or what I like to call fall.  

This season is one of the best seasons to exist among the four that Mother Nature gives us. If you think about it, you won’t be overwhelmed with intense migraines, sticky humidity or those relentless heat waves that send you plunging to the floor. Not only that, but there are those hideous creatures that leave you with horrible bug bites or those who follow you around. I am talking about mosquitoes, wasps, bees and those pesky houseflies that invade your home like unwanted guests, buzzing in your ear all day. 

However, with fall it’s different. 

The temperatures cool down and days become shorter. The air becomes chilly and the trees slowly change colours from bright green to shades of red, orange, yellow and brown. You may even smell smoke from a distant bonfire, along with the sound of laughter as people gather around the warm blaze, roasting marshmallows and making s’mores.  

But no doubt, the shorter days can feel a bit depressing — and they are — at least for the most part.  

In a positive light, fall is a great way to transition from summer activities to something more calming. By that, I mean it’s a season for slowing down and caring for yourself. Like cuddling up and watching movies, going on cute dates, sipping on your favourite fall drinks from your local café’s menu, lighting scented candles, journaling, wearing cozy outfits and the list goes on and on. 

Aside from my Pinterest-perfect view, fall brings a deeper sense of purpose or urgency.  

For all the party and spiritual lovers, Oct. 31 highlights the celebration of Samhain or All Hallows’ Eve, most commonly known as Halloween.  

As kids, we grew up wearing costumes and going trick-or-treating and in our adult years, this celebration turned into something more. As Cady Heron from Mean Girls famously quotes, “Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it.” 

It’s a night where people of all ages can dress up as a character and events like parties, haunted houses and pumpkin carving all build up excitement around this holiday. 

But in a spiritual aspect, it’s more than partying and wearing costumes. Halloween is the time when people let go of negative energies and welcome new positive vibrancy. It’s also said to be a strong turning point that represents the cycle of life, death and rebirth. For many — myself included — it’s a great way to manifest your goals and let yourself loose for a night. 

As Dec. 31 rolls around the corner, there’s a growing awareness that the year is quickly ending. For some — including myself — as the days get shorter days and time feels like it’s slipping, it can feel like a reset button, giving us a chance to reflect on everything we set out to do in our New Year’s resolution. As the chaotic vibes from summer fade away, with fewer distractions, we can turn our attention to what matter most — whether that’s completing a project, getting back into a routine, accomplishing our fitness goals or simply taking better care of ourselves. In short, fall reminds us that it’s not too late to finish what we started. 

Well, I am looking forward to fall 2024, are you?