Falling Into Fall, Ready or Not
I wake to a darker morning as the calendar creeps forward. I am searching for my winter pajamas even though yesterday was 90 degrees. The house feels damper, and I am looking for my sweater more often than not. But yesterday we took this lovely drive in the convertible, so my body is confused. What season is this, anyway?
Ah, I remember, this is the experience of Fall. It is aptly named. I am falling into a slump. I am falling into morning wardrobe confusion. I am falling into sleeping in longer. I notice the temperatures fall and rise in an odd pattern that confuses my wardrobe. The crepe myrtle blossoms are falling all over the porch and making a mess. The temperatures fall and rise in a crazy pattern that stumps my wardrobe. The Christmas lighting company actually sent an email about putting up Christmas lights. COME ON.
Even the light of the day is changing. I am not waking in the dark, but I realize that this experience is not far away, as the morning is dimmer than usual. The sun seems to be reluctant to show. It throws some dim light ahead of itself as if to say, “Look out, I am fading.” Each day, the light is different in some way.
The constant brightness in the sunroom is unreliable, and the plants are showing the effect. The plant lights are on more than they are off. The shades haven’t been used in weeks. Funny, I did not notice that until now. This change is creeping up on me.
My body registers these changes long before my mind catches up. I reach for the shawl on the back of the chair without thinking. I need a bit more warmth. I turn on the lights in the early morning, when just a few weeks ago the room was bright. I am checking the thermostat when last week I didn’t even know it existed.
I should have known. This happens every year. Fall arrives slowly, almost bumpily, as though it is bouncing into place. One day the temperature is high, the next chill, then high again. This season is like a yo-yo: up and down. Clearly, it has me confused as though I am a spinning top. Remember those? Like a dreidel with the pointy end so it can spin and the square sides to give it just enough heft to move around. I feel that way myself. I am spinning into this change of season.
How does one get comfortable? It is too early for the wool socks, but too late for bare feet. The porch invites, but the light fades early. The flower garden is full, but the plants are sagging. I want to venture out to the porch, but the chill is not that inviting unless I bundle up. Then the neighbor thinks I have lost my mind as he jogs by topless. Confusing?
Somewhere inside of me, I know that I love the Fall. The colors in the trees make me feel like I am living in a Van Gogh canvas. The beauty of Fall brings back comforting, joyful childhood memories. Who doesn’t like roasting marshmallows and making s’mores? The fire pit in the backyard is just waiting for the roasting sticks to appear. Who doesn’t like piling up colorful leaves and jumping in them? Even if you have to bag them later and leave them at the curb, the pile was worth it.
Who doesn’t like snuggling up and reading a great novel? Who doesn’t like cocoa! I have often said that Fall is my favorite season. Yet, the transition to get there seems daunting.
Perhaps all transitions are like this. You know the change is coming, and when you get there, you know you’ll enjoy the time. I love living in the four seasons. I could never be a Florida or California girl. I would miss the changing seasons.
But I am just not ready for the flannel pajamas. Still, we ordered firewood this week, and I do love a fire in the fireplace. I have so many cool sweaters I like wearing. And snuggling up with a loved one is so much easier in the Fall than in the Summer.
I should welcome the chilly air and embrace my favorite jacket.
I am just not ready.
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Learn more from trusted seasonal living resources:
National Park Service – Fall Colorsww.audubon.org” target=”_blank/a>
If you are navigating life transitions, seasonal changes, or emotional shifts, therapy can offer grounding and perspective. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support resilience, insight, and emotional well‑being.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst
