A New Season
Brownish-orange leaves tumbled across my feet, as a calming breeze blew through. There wasn’t a single cloud in the sky, and the colorful trees along my route added to the allure of the season. I stopped along the path to savor the moment. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, feeling one with the earth. I focused on the rusting sound the branches made, as they swayed slowly. A soft faint scent of spiced lattes and holiday treats seemed to travel in the fall air. The earth was changing seasons in the most beautiful way.
Fall is undoubtedly my favorite time of the year, but this year is obviously uncharacteristically different. I continued my trot home before the sun disappeared behind the horizon. Breaking away from the noise of the election, a constant reminder of Covid and the seemingly endless cycle of negative news was paramount. But if I’m honest, Thanksgiving is not the same this year. There’s so much pain and division in the world. It just doesn’t sit right with my soul.
How have you been coping during this Holiday season? This year I’ve had to scale it back in order to consider the safety of the ones that I love. Although we’d loved to see everyone, we thought it’d be best to stay home. If you’re feeling the sting of the season, I understand deeply. With shorter days and colder temps, now more than ever, we long for human connection. We’re not designed to be an island which adds to the discomfort this season has brought many people. Hang in there if you had to scale it back or spend this holiday season alone. I know it’s a difficult adjustment. There’s nothing that can quite replace the sound of a house that’s full of laughter, the smell of food cooked with love, and togetherness.
Be kind to yourself during this season. For the sake of our mental health, we have to find ways to be present. Here are a few ways to make the best of the times.
Video calls: Perhaps you may not physically be able to see the ones you love, but you can video chat. I know it’s not the same but it’s a way to bridge the gap.
Drop off meals: You’ve got family and friends who love your mac and cheese? Consider delivering a plate. Dropping off a plate is a great way to remain socially distanced while still being able to able to see the people you care about. Who doesn’t love a good plate cooked with love?
Binge-watch movies: Is there a series you love? It’ll be a great time to snuggle up and catch up on your favorite series. There’s so much to watch these days. Have you seen Jingle Jangle? I personally recommend it.
Dive into a new book: Reading calms the soul. I love getting lost in a good book. Maybe it’ll be a great time to read my new novel, There’s Somethin’ About Love. I know, I know. I’m biased.
Nature walks: I’m an outdoor guy. I sincerely love being out in nature. The weather has been pretty mild on the east coast, at least. Even if you’re standing outside for a few minutes, get a big nice whiff of that fall air. It does wonders.
We’ll get through this season together. It’s not easy, but we’ll get through it. Be encouraged and be safe. Happy Thanksgiving.