As the leaves turn and the air gets colder, change is a subject that is frequently on our minds. Soon we’ll be registering for classes for next semester, pulling out the Christmas trees, and ringing in a new year. As we think about change and the good and bad outcomes that follow from it, it’s a good time to think about the change you want to see in your own life.  

Habits you set into motion now are ones that will hold over into the winter months and have a lasting impact. Now is a good time to sit back and examine what isn’t working in your schedule, your relationships and your day-to-day routines. If you feel like you’re constantly running short on time and the weeks are too quick, examine where you’re losing it. The time change this weekend could be your chance to start waking up earlier and give yourself more hours in the day to thrive.  

Change is inevitable, but also influenceable. If you find yourself spending more time glued to your couch as it gets colder and you can’t be outside as much, pick up a new indoor physical activity like rock climbing or pickleball. Learn a new skill or try out a different craft like paint-by-numbers or baking. Use the time you have intentionally and let your spare time be useful in the long run. Fall is a great time to look around and realize that just because this is the way things are now, it doesn’t have to be this way forever.  

Soak up the good weather days on your porch or take a walk and look at the Halloween decorations. Enjoy apple cider and pumpkin spiced lattes and fall movies. This season is full of fun and aesthetic moments, but it’s also a season of preparation . We’ve become too complacent and too comfortable with habits that aren’t benefitting us, and it’s time to make that change. Sometimes it’s as easy as committing to waking up earlier, and sometimes you need to examine your relationships with others and make a change that benefits your health. It’s not always comfortable to switch away from something that you know, but it is usually worth it.  

Take a close look around and make a change. If the seasons can do it, so can you.