Autumn is a natural time of letting go and moving on. As the trees release their grip on the multi-coloured leaves that fall softly to the ground, it’s a good opportunity for us to let go of things whose time have passed.
The nature of life is change…nothing stays the same for long. This is true of seasons, relationships, careers, homes, fashion…even our physical bodies. If we embrace the cycles of life…the natural ebb and flow, it becomes easier to adapt and use these cycles to our advantage.
Letting go of the unwanted
This fall, choose to let go of anything in your life that no longer serves or fits you, so you will feel lighter heading into winter. Some categories to consider include:
- Clothes, toys and household goods – This is a great time to purge your closets of unwanted/unneeded items and give them to others who could use them.
- Negative thoughts/emotions – Fall is a naturally introspective time, and a period of grieving what is gone. Write down any uncomfortable or “negative” emotions like sadness, frustration and anger in a journal, and allow yourself to purge unwanted feelings so they don’t stay stuck inside your body. You may want to burn or shred these pages afterwards to energetically release what is bothering you.
- Bad habits – This is also a good time to consider whether there are some habits you need to let go of that are stealing your time, energy and health. (For example, smoking, over-eating, watching too much TV, being on the phone/Internet too much, not exercising, not getting enough sleep.) Focus on establishing a new, healthier habit by the new year!
- Reminders of past lovers – If you’ve been through a break-up or two, this is a great time to burn old love letters and get rid of reminders of your ex (jewellery, clothing, gifts, etc.).
- People – Yes, sometimes even people need to go. Fall is a great time to think about who is in your life and whether they are adding value and energy, or draining you. If a relationship can’t be mended, consider putting some distance between you and the person, or ending the relationship altogether.
This kind of pre-winter purging prevents you from carrying such a heavy load into the darker winter months. It also gives you room to breathe and clears space for new ideas, people, and goals to enter.
Harvesting what is wanted
Fall is also a time of harvesting the fruits of your labour and giving thanks for summer’s bounty. It’s a natural time to consider all the wonderful things that have come to pass so far this year, and feel grateful for the joy that the things, activities and people in your life have brought to you.
I highly recommend writing daily in a gratitude journal to reflect on the many blessings you have, so that as you let go of what you don’t want, you turn your focus to keeping and expanding on what you do.
Wishing you a warm and cozy fall, and a very happy Thanksgiving!
xo Karen
Resources
See also:
- How one simple word can change your life
- Loving without losing: How to attract the love of your life without losing yourself again
About the author
Karen Strang Allen is a love and empowerment coach for single women. She is the author of Free to be me: Create a life you love from the inside out! and international bestselling co-author of Unwavering Strength Volume 2. Widowed at 22 and separated at 35, Karen’s mission is to help single women feel great about who they are and create a life they love so they attract (and keep) their dream partner. Learn more about Karen and check out her free empowering resources and workshops at www.karenstrangallen.com.
Silver Linings 
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