A Letter to Autumn

Dear Autumn,

Here you are again - my favourite time of year. 

I wonder if you know how beautiful you are. Your vibrant golden hues everywhere, teamed with warm earthy undertones and deep, muted natural colours of rust red, mustard yellow, olive green, and shades of brown. You are a time for pause,

reflection and pensiveness, making us forget our worries and enjoy the present moment in all its beauty. 

Thank you for reminding us, as we see the leaves fall from the trees, that we too can let go of things, and move on, which is the natural order of things. The fallen leaves blend with the warmth of the ground, releasing an earthy fragrant scent, as though metaphorically grounding and comforting us, like a sweater we can get cosy in.

Days grow shorter, and the nights get cooler, as we tuck into a warm pumpkin soup and apple pie.

Speaking of pumpkins, you bring to us such a fun, festive season! 

Halloween, with its pumpkin carvings, spooky themes and trick or treating; Diwali (Festival of lights) in India - with its brightness and golden colours reflecting your autumnal brilliance; Día de los (Day of the Dead) of Mexico where the departed are remembered and revered; Moon festival in China and Vietnam, where families express their gratitude; Ohigan of Japan or Equinox gatherings around Europe; and Thanksgiving; celebrations all over the world.

With your crisp breeze, your fresh aromas and your stunning views, you bring us a beautiful blend of excitement, nostalgia, comfort, and cosiness all wrapped up in one season; like a bit of quiet before the storm of winter’s cold. You gently nudge us to slow down and to give ourselves the reset we need. 

And we’ll take that reset, and use it to prepare ourselves for the new year.

But for now, let me just enjoy your presence because like the orange hued leaves on the trees, your presence is fleeting.