Recently, I’ve been going through some fall season thoughts. You know those moments when you think — Why am I doing this again?
I’m pretty sure I go through this every season. When I question something; especially if it’s a tradition.
Whether or not you experience seasonal doubt, here are some thoughts that pop in my head:
The farms are a bit far and the prices are insane now. Should we really go apple picking this year?
The kids are going to be cranky by the time we get to the pumpkin patch. Is it worth it?
I think I want to focus more on the fall harvest and less on Halloween decorations. So should I not buy these light up ghosts for the front yard?
How much is that Halloween costume?!! Maybe I should DIY again.
But then we get to bake an apple pie and serve it on plate with a scoop of ice cream. I get to grab my leaf plate and add some of the fruit we picked out at the orchard. I wake up to my daughters’ Halloween craft hanging on our kitchen hardware and doorknob. I place the light up ghosts in the front yard, the wind knocks it off the garden stake the first day, but then I finally find the perfect spot for it. My daughters’ eyes light up and suddenly it’s all worth it.
Yes, it’s challenging and exhausting, but it’s also so much fun. You experience it together. You capture the senses with the food, the smells, the feeling in your heart and in your hands.
You don’t need to overthink your faith and wanting to have fun playing dress-up because life is about joyful experiences with the ones you love. And some of those experiences remind you of personal joys you appreciate on your own.
I love making our house a home. The way I design our exterior and interior is not just about making it look picture perfect, it’s the feeling we get and how it brings us together. It’s my way of having fun and playing pretend in real life. My seasonal toys.
I’ve always loved the 1000 Hours Outside approach and I even own the book because it focuses on movement and experiences — one that gets people outside and enjoying life. But I’ve learned to focus less on what to do outside and more on what brings me joy. Not only outside, but when I return home. After all, I have a wanderlust homebody spirit.
These fall outdoor experiences are more than just outdoor experiences — they’re something we enjoy in our home, around the table, and in our hearts. They’re memories in the making and seasonal rhythms; not because of the stuff, but because of how we welcome and participate in what the season has to offer — together.
So whether you head to the market to buy apples and pumpkins this season or to an orchard, do it with joy. Even when you’re exhausted and you’re getting your arm workout in. It’s the only way to truly savor the moment. And if you have different ways to enjoy the season, that’s ok too.
Sandy
