I’ve been looking forward to writing this post. The changing of seasons – some people love it and others hate it. A few years ago, I was in a love/hate relationship with it. I loved everything but winter. Growing up in New England, we get some intense winters (some more than others) and I couldn’t find beauty in it whatsoever. But as I started to shift my perspective and focus on some of the things I did like about it, I lightened up. I truly do have an appreciation for all four seasons and I think I would be unhappy if I didn’t experience them all.
Because if I am being honest with myself, I crave change. I get bored with the same scenery/temperature day in and day out. I find myself yearning for hot summer days in the winter, but once August hits, I am praying for the leaves to change, the air to cool, and the humidity to diminish. I look forward to that snowy month of December. I need to slow down and rest my body after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and the dreary winter weather forces me to do that. But I can’t slow down for too long, because I also love the sound of birds, days spent in the park with my family, the smell of lilacs, and to watch the earth renew itself after the barren months. It’s a cycle that I love and need to be a part of.
Maybe you are like me or maybe you think I am crazy (I know for a fact that my mom thinks I am crazy, lol! HI MOM.) But I wanted to share exactly what excites me about changing seasons and maybe if you are struggling to see the good, this will help to shift your own perspective.
New sounds, feelings, and smells. The smell of lilac, a gentle breeze, the buzzing bees. The smell of salty ocean air and the sound of waves. Crunchy leaves, crisp air, and cinnamon spice. The smell of pine and the sound of a crackling fireplace. These are the things that really invigorate me. I can’t live without any of these things and thankfully, I don’t have to.
New color palette. Autumn will always be my very favorite seasonal palette, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like the others. I love the pastels of spring, brights of summer, and muted tones of winter.
A chance to redecorate. I keep our home pretty neutral and minimal but I have a few pieces that I use year after year according to the season (especially in fall and around the holidays).
Seasonal foods. I make an effort to eat seasonally (I talk about this more in my winter season post). Living in an area where we have four seasons helps to keep me on track.
A change in recipes. It’s a no-brainer that the weather can affect the kinds of foods you are eating. Summer and spring tends to be more light (think salads, summer rolls, grilled veggies) and I love a good vegan burger on the grill. But as soon as the shift comes and we move into autumn/winter, I am in soup and stew-making mode. Give me all the comfort foods. I love looking forward to a change in the kitchen.
New beverages. Iced coffee, iced teas, & Del’s lemonade in the spring and summer (if you are from RI, you know what I am talking about!) Warm apple cider in the fall. Creamy dreamy mocha lattes, hot chocolate, and hot tea in the winter. I love a good seasonal drink. They are some of life’s greatest and simplest pleasures.
But really, taking our girls out for a Del’s lemonade date is one of the highlights of summertime. But also equally as great as bundling up after playing in the snow and enjoying hot cocoa together. Why is sharing a beverage so beautiful? I feel like I could write a whole post about the comforts and beauty of it.
New outfits. I don’t shop for clothing often so I can get pretty bored of what I have going on. With the change in seasons, I feel like I have a new wardrobe to look forward to every few months. Plus, I love an airy summer dress just as much as I love bundling up in an oversized sweater.
The chance to slow down. We keep pretty busy all spring and summer because we really take advantage of the extra daylight and try to get outside and do as much as possible. I can’t sit in the house when the weather is beautiful – it makes me feel guilty! So by summer’s end, I tend to get a little burnt out and welcome the chance to slow down with open arms. A little hibernation is necessary to recharge, relax, rest. Having to stay indoors was hard for me for a while but I have learned to embrace it and allow myself sink into the cold months. I wrote about some of the ways I beat winter blues here.
New activities. My hobbies tend to align with the seasons, like most I am sure. Autumn and winter means I am baking, cooking, reading, and cross-wording while spring and summer are more about planting, walking, and just being outside. Of course I am still baking and cooking in the spring/summer, but I definitely do it out of necessity vs. for enjoyment.
An appreciation for renewal. Sure, winter is barren and devoid of life but it makes way for the most beautiful return. I really have learned to appreciate the cycle of the seasons and to look forward to renewal and a fresh start every spring.
So what do you love (or maybe dislike) about the changing of seasons? I’m interested to see if you guys feel the same as me or think I am crazy. Ha! x
