For many in the Northeast, fall is a time to nest. After a few months of fun in the sun, we become more pragmatic, consciously or unconsciously preparing ourselves for the long winter ahead. We store food, prepare our yards, seal our windows, change our tires. If we’re lucky we start planning vacations.
The awareness, engagement and adaptability that propel this process can also motivate us to take renewed care of ourselves. What do we need to stay nourished through the next season? What plans might we consider for rejuvenating our personal lives or our careers?
A few weeks ago I went apple picking with my family. It was a perfect fall day, with bright blue skies and refreshing–but not cold–air. Filling four reusable shopping bags with fruit requires some investment but the return is instant and the experience is novel. It’s what we do with the nearly 100 pounds of apples that really defines our commitment.
This year I felt ambitious. Instead of giving away apples, I made extra applesauce and apple crisps and gave those away. I set aside time and dedicated myself to the process. I took pride in the work, enjoyed the chance to focus on something simple, and took time to smell the spices. And when I was out of time, I returned the unused fruit to the garage where some of it still sits as a reminder, not as an unchecked item on my to-do list, but as an opportunity to achieve something important–to create something that brings a little joy to myself and others. And to me, that’s what this time of year is about. Not just protecting our lawns and cars, but investing in things that make us happier and more successful.
Maybe you have no desire to venture into an apple orchard. (I’m sure you realized that’s a metaphor anyway.) Choose your own experience, make the investment, and nourish yourself with the fruits of your labor. Just don’t wait too long. Soon, we’ll be rushing to draft goals and resolutions for the new year.
