| Joy |
Autumn has begun in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a season that brings joy to me. I love the energizing crisp air replacing the heat of the summer along with bright blue skies and vivid colors of changing leaves. For this week’s post on the element of joy, I’d like to suggest a few ways to enjoy the season.
Go on a Hike
- A hike is one of my favorite ways to experience what each season has to offer. Nature has such distinct treats to delight in during different times of the year. Engage your senses to take it all in as you hike. Feel the crisp weather and the sun’s warmth on your back. Look at the leaves changing color and falling to the ground. Listen to the birds singing and the leaves crunching under your feet. Breath in the smell of fresh air. Prepare a delicious picnic with seasonal food and savor the taste on a break. If you aren’t able to go on a hike in the woods, even a walk at a nearby park or around your neighborhood will give you an opportunity to get outside and notice the changes autumn brings.
Treat Yourself to a New Outfit or Accessory
- The changing temperatures of autumn bring a change in our clothes. Jackets, sweaters, and boots start reappearing. As the weather cools off, treat yourself to a new outfit or accessory… Perhaps a sweater dress with some boots for going out, maybe a new workout or loungewear set to help you stay warm, or even some nice pajamas for the cooler weather.
Add Some Autumn Decor
- It’s fun to add a few little decorations for each season. Mums, fall wreaths, or pumpkins and other gourds make it easy to sprinkle autumn reminders throughout your spaces. Next time you go to the grocery store or farmers market, consider picking up a few items to add to your front door or coffee table, or you can even add a little decor for free by gathering something like acorns to place in a bowl for display.
Engage Your Senses with a Spiced Tea
- I personally love the spices associated with autumn such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. The fourth suggestion I have for enjoying the season is to engage your senses with a spiced tea. Take in the smell and taste of the tea and curl up under a knit or velvet blanket with a great book.
Make a Comforting Soup
- A warm soup on a cool night is always a treat to me, plus soup can be a great way to get in a lot of healthy vegetables. Find a healthy soup recipe you enjoy along with a fresh French baguette and some candles on the table, and you’re set for a relaxing evening. Freeze some of the leftovers to have on hand for a busy night or when you’re not feeling well. Here’s a link to a great post with plenty of soups to choose from… https://camillestyles.com/food/healthy-fall-soup-recipes-cozy/