*"I am so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."* —Anne Shirley

I grew up watching *Anne of Green Gables* with my mom, and we would both talk about how fall in her beautiful town of Avonlea was exactly how we picturedthe season in our minds.

Living in Southern California, I can only dream about yellow and red leaves and crisp fall weather. I’ve always loved fall—for pumpkin-spiced anything, the start of soup and chili season, football, and the best hiking weather. I love that fall is a time to slow down and reflect.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

> a time to be born, and a time to die;

> a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

> a time to kill, and a time to heal;

> a time to break down, and a time to build up;

> a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

> a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

> a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

> a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

> a time to seek, and a time to lose;

> a time to keep, and a time to throw away;

> a time to tear, and a time to sew;

> a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

> a time to love, and a time to hate;

> a time for war, and a time for peace.

> —Ecclesiastes 3:1–8

This is my favorite passage from the Book of Ecclesiastes.

Fall is a powerful season of transition and reset. It calls us to pause and ask: *What do I need to let go of before winter arrives?* Just as trees shed their leaves, this season invites us to release what no longer serves us—whether it’s old fears, burdens, habits, or even relationships. Letting go isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary for growth and renewal.

At the same time, fall is also a time to gather and prepare. We collect the harvest—whether literal or metaphorical—to store up strength, wisdom, and peace for the quieter, often more challenging winter months.

What spiritual or emotional tools do you need to gather now? What practices will nourish your soul when the world outside grows cold and still?

This fall, embrace the rhythm of change. Let go of what holds you back and prepare your heart for the new season ahead.

Fall is also a season of deep emotions—a natural invitation to embrace both the joys and the sorrows in life. Sometimes, this can feel especially real and raw.

This year, for me, one of the biggest transitions has been sending my son off to college in another state. The house feels emptier. The routine has shifted. It’s been hard to balance the pride and excitement with the ache of separation.

Having my daughter be an only child at home, I’m sure, is a huge change for her as well (except she now has the bathroom to herself!). There are moments of quiet grief as I mourn the change and the letting go, even as I celebrate his new journey.

I went from "band mom," volunteering at all the performances, to now watching them online. I know this is the natural progression of life, and we are in a new season—but it’s still hard.

At the same time, I’m also experiencing slower-than-expected progress in training with Chyloh, my horse. The process is testing my patience and persistence—weeks have passed, and I’m still not riding her yet. It’s humbling to realize that growth doesn’t always follow our timeline. Sometimes it asks us to lean into the waiting, the setbacks, and the small victories along the way.

I know we’re writing our story, and I know this is a learning lesson for sure—but it is still hard.

Ecclesiastes is teaching me that life’s seasons include both weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing. Both are necessary and valid. It’s okay to feel the pain of change and loss while also finding moments of joy and gratitude.

This fall, I’m learning to sit with both—to acknowledge the heaviness of my heart and to celebrate the small wins. I invite you to do the same. Allow yourself the space to feel fully, with the assurance that joy will return, even after moments of sorrow.

If you need a little extra support navigating the complexities of this season, please join my online yoga community, where we move through these emotions together with gentle yoga and mindful meditation. As a member, you’ll receive access to my special Fall Meditation, crafted to bring calm and clarity as the seasons shift.

Don’t forget to visit my YouTube channel, where I share videos that inspire and guide you through the ups and downs of life with grace and presence.