Embracing the Magic of Fall: Why I'm Taking Time to Unwind and Reset This Season.

As the vibrant hues of autumn start to paint the world around us, I find myself drawn to the enchanting spell of the fall season. It's a time like no other, a season of transformation, transition, and beauty that beckons me to slow down, pause, and embrace the magic of fall.

Fall is a season that invites us to turn from our old routines and embrace a sense of renewal. For busy moms like me, caught up in the whirlwind of our daily responsibilities, fall offers a precious opportunity to step back, unwind, and reset. As the kids are already back in school, it's time to prioritize self-care and take a moment to breathe amidst the chaos of life. Here are a few things that the Fall season is leading me to:

A season of Baking

As I walk through a carpet of fallen leaves, I can smell new scents and each step echoes with the promise of new beginnings. I can't help but feel invigorated by the energy of the season. The magic of fall is palpable in the rustling of leaves, the earthy scent of damp soil, and the gentle caress of a cool breeze. It's a season that awakens the senses and invites us to tune in to the rhythm of nature with new recipes.

While everybody is rushing towards pumpkin pies, here is my favorite for Fall:

Banana bread

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• Bananas, of course! The riper, the better. You’ll need 2 cups mashed, about 4 large bananas. Tip: To quickly ripen bananas for this recipe (within 1 to 2 days instead of 3+), store them in a paper bag.

• All-purpose flour –

• Cane sugar – It sweetens the bread, bringing out the banana flavor. Brown sugar is fantastic here too—it makes the loaf extra moist.

• Melted butter – It perfects the moist texture and adds buttery flavor. Sub vegetable oil to make this recipe dairy-free!

• Eggs and baking soda – They help the loaf puff up as it bakes.

• Vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg – For a warm depth of flavor.

• Walnuts – For crunch! If you’d rather not add nuts, omit them, or replace them with an equal amount of raisins or chocolate chips.

• And sea salt – To make all the flavors pop!

A Season of Decluttering and Minimalism

As I already said, Fall is a time of new beginnings, a time when we remove the old to make space for the new. This season stirs in me the urge to declutter and clean my house, to create a new and fresh environment for my kids as they enter the new school year, and to help me have a clear mind concerning the future.

I practice, therefore, the art of minimalism: I get rid of all the old shoes and clothes that cannot be worn anymore, making space in the closets for the new and warmer ones. I also get rid of all the old school work (except for the artwork that I keep) that piled up during the past school year and make the organizers available for the new homework coming. And, of course, I do the same for my own paperwork.

One thing I also try to do is adapt the decoration and the smell of my house according to the seasons. I love to put essential oils to perfume the house and to harmonize the smell with simple elements of decoration. I also change the family pictures on the shelves, just to mark the new atmosphere.

A Season to Reflect

In a world that never stops moving, fall reminds us of the importance of slowing down. It's a season that encourages reflection, introspection, and self-discovery. As I watch the trees shed their old leaves in preparation for the barren winter ahead, I'm reminded of the power of letting go. Fall teaches us that true growth often requires a period of dormancy, a time of rest and reflection before the next cycle of growth can begin in the coming year.

It's a season when I rededicate my walk with God and my prayer life. A time when I come back to God and wait upon Him for what's next. And what's inside... What's inside of me that does not please Him, the things I do that need to stop. It's a time to ponder on His Word, set new goals, and receive a clear vision for the future ahead of me.

So, this fall, I make a pledge to myself - a promise to carve out moments of stillness in the midst of chaos, to prioritize my well-being, and to embrace the transformative energy of the season. I'll savor cups of steaming cider, bask in the warmth of cozy sweaters, and revel in the beauty of nature's grand finale.

As the days grow shorter and the nights lengthen, I'll welcome the darkness as a time for inner reflection and contemplation. I'll light candles to chase away the shadows, create a sanctuary of peace within my home, and allow myself the luxury of simply being and waiting before God.

Fall is a season of abundance, of gratitude, and of beauty in its purest form. So, here's to embracing the magic of fall, unwinding in its gentle embrace, and resetting our souls in preparation for the wonders that lie ahead.

Best,

Claire.