A Gentle Reset for the New Season 🍂✨
Embracing the magic of autumn
As the darker half of the year is upon us, this shift in the season invites us to slow down, reflect, and consider the year so far. Although the typical time for a refresh is often spring or New Year, I often feel this way in autumn - a sort of ‘back to school’ energy leftover from childhood that makes me want to crack open a fresh set of pencils and a new notebook and reflect on how things are going.
Samhain in October is thought by many to be the beginning of the Celtic new year, so perhaps there’s a little more to it than just that, but nevertheless, I wanted to share a few ways I will be resetting for a new season. Let’s begin, shall we?
Psst… make sure to watch the video format of this autumn refresh and then follow the steps below if you want to join in!
1. Preparing the Home: A Cosy Clean and Autumn Decorating 🍁🕯️
I will be the first to complain in true English fashion that my house is too cold, so I need to make sure to prepare for autumn in my home by stacking up firewood, getting out the cosy blankets, and making sure there are flickering candles on every available surface. There are two main things I like to do:
Clear Away the Cobwebs: Sweep away the remnants of summer’s hustle and bustle. Open the windows to let in the crisp, cool breeze, and cleanse your space with a deep clean. You can take this a step further and wash the windows and doorways in a herbal infusion to protect your home or burn herbs such as sage to cleanse the air.
Decorate for Autumn: Embrace the season’s treasures— rusted fallen leaves, pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, and spiced scented candles to make your house smell like an apple pie. Drape your home in soft blankets and pillows, and let the scent of cinnamon fill the space. You could create a little nook where you can retreat with a mug of tea and a good book as the nights draw in.
2. Autumn Journalling: Reflecting on Goals🍂📖
The colder months often find me turning inward, a time for planning and deep thinking rather than the hustling energy of summer. I like to find a quiet corner, light a candle, and consider a few questions:
What Am I Proud Of? Consider what has gone well so far this year, things you are proud of, and take a moment to celebrate your successes.
What No Longer Serves Me? Reflect on what didn’t go so well and what you’d like to release. Are there habits, thoughts, or situations weighing you down?
Who Do I Wish to Become? Close your eyes and imagine the person you wish to grow into. What do they value? How does they spend their days? Write down a dream day in your life.
From these reflections, you could choose three top priorities. From these priorities, you can start to put them into actionable steps and put them into your schedule to work towards.
3. Vision Board: Goal Setting but Also Just for Fun! 🎨🍂
I love creating Pinterest boards for everything. I already have one for general life and 2024 goals, so I just made a really fun one for autumn specifically with all of the cosy pictures of cinnamon rolls, books and rainy streets.
Return to your vision board whenever you need a spark of inspiration or a reminder of where you’re headed.
4. A Ritual of Release: Letting Go ✨🔥
Honour the turning of the wheel with a simple ritual to release what no longer serves you and welcome what is to come.
Write Down What You Wish to Leave Behind: On a small piece of parchment, pour out the words that have weighed you down. These could be fears, doubts, or regrets—anything you’re ready to release.
Burn with Intention: In a safe and sacred space, light the paper and watch as the flames consume it. Imagine the smoke carrying your burdens away, up into the autumn sky.
Set Your Intentions: As the embers fade, close your eyes and focus on new intentions. What do you wish to welcome this season? Breathe life into these wishes as you consider them.
Autumn is a season of transformation, a time to honour the cycles of life and change. By aligning ourselves with its rhythm, we can let go of the old and make space for the new.
How are you planning to embrace the magic of autumn? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
I love all of your suggestions, simple, yet meaningful. Thank you, Luna, and I hope you're having a Happy Autumn!