The fall has arrived and with it a lot of energy that can get us down. But rather than resisting this energy, we can embrace it as an opportunity for reflection.
The days grow shorter, the air gets cooler, and leaves begin turning vibrant colors—it’s hard not to want to slow down when nature has its own way of inviting us in this way!
The fall season often inspires me to reflect on my goals and intentions while also looking forward towards new beginnings.
In fact, there are many reasons why now is the perfect time to reflect on ourselves and our lives.
Change is in the air.
The fall is a magical time of year, don't you think?
The turning of the leaves, the changing of the seasons and astrological signs, and the new moon (and thus a blank slate) are all powerful reminders that there's no better time than now to reflect on your past and future.
It's easy to get lost in everyday life—but if you take some time out for yourself every once in a while, especially during this season of reflection, you'll find yourself feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes next.
This time of year always makes me feel like the world is full of possibility and promise.
Ready to start reflecting?
This energy could get us down, but we can use it to our advantage.
The fall is a fantastic time to reflect on what we are grateful for and create goals for the future. It's also a great time to spend time outdoors, get cozy with loved ones, or do some journaling.
The fall can be full of energy and anticipation—a chance to plan ahead and make or break plans as we head into the cold months.
This is an ideal time for goal setting because you have more energy than usual (thanks, daylight savings!) but you're still focused on what matters most: taking care of yourself.
As a professional evaluator with specialities in strategic planning and continuous improvement in my day job, I have a few tips when it comes to fall reflecting and goal setting:
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Set goals that are achievable within one month's time frame.
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There's no need to go overboard here; just pick one or two goals that you can accomplish in three weeks' time.
- Write them down, either by journaling or even using a sticky-note or on a white board.
The fall is a great time to take stock and reap what you've sown and harvest the fruits of your work over the past year.
It's also an excellent opportunity to reflect on how far we've come this year; how we've grown as people, workers, entrepreneurs, teachers, friends, partners, leaders; what successes were achieved; which areas need improvement; etc.
It's important not only because these things are essential ingredients for growth but also because they provide motivation—a fuel source—for continuing down our path next year!
Fall is also a time for letting go.
This time of year, we're getting closer to letting go of outdated habits, patterns, and relationships. It's a time to find balance, connect, and rest. The time has come to look at what we've been holding onto in our lives and decide if they serve us anymore.
It's a good time for quiet reflection and solitude.
The fall is an excellent time for quiet reflection and solitude. It can be a good way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and find out who you really are. You may be surprised by what you learn about yourself when you spend some time alone in nature.
Solitude is good for your mental health because it gives you time to focus on what's important. You don't have much opportunity to think about yourself during the holidays, so being alone during this season provides an excellent opportunity for self-reflection.
You may even consider a self-retreat or a silent retreat.
Crystals for the fall and reflection
Crystals are a great way to help you through the fall and reflection seasonally.
They can help you:
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Plan for the future. Crystals can help you plan out your day, week, or month so that you stay on track with your goals.
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Let go of old habits and patterns. If there is something that is preventing you from accomplishing what it is that brings happiness in life (like smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol excessively), crystals can help break these habits so that they become easier to let go of during the fall seasonally as well.
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Be more optimistic about yourself and others around you; when people think negatively about themselves or others around them it makes them less likely to accomplish anything meaningful in life because they do not believe anyone else will believe in them either.
- Start a 21 day affirmation practice. Affirmations are a way to communicate with your subconscious mind. It’s a tool for growth, healing, and transformation. Affirmations can help support you in creating the life you desire.
Learn about crystals for the fall here (that we used at the Rooted Retreat at the end of September).
The next few weeks are an ideal time for reflection, planning and solace, so be sure to make time for yourself!
I know fall has already started, but there are still weeks left to make time for yourself. We all need some extra TLC sometimes (even if that just means we take care of ourselves).
I don't want you to think for one moment that it's selfish to do so.
Whether you choose solitude or community this fall season will be perfect for reflecting on what got you here today so far.
Make time for yourself over the next few weeks.
Hopefully, this article has opened your eyes to the many benefits of reflective periods. Personally, I can't wait to cleanse my space from top to bottom this month.
I hope you'll take a moment to think about how you can incorporate reflection into your everyday life and turn it into a more meaningful experience for yourself!
Read more on Medium: The Best Crystals for the Harvest Moon: What They Are and How to Use Them
