A Dreamy Autumn, 2025

Autumn always feels like such a gift. Each year I think, “it can’t get any better than this.” But every year, it truly does get better and better. But 2025? I was skeptical. This new job of mine apparently is absolutely insane from August until November. And all of my coworkers have said the same thing: “October is the WORST.” As someone who has very nearly built an entire religion dedicated to October, I almost quit. (Not really, but…for maybe a split second, I had my doubts…)

I made a silent agreement with myself: I wouldn’t make grand plans in autumn. I wouldn’t be disappointed if I couldn’t do my usual fall celebrations. I would put my job first. September didn’t even exist, if I’m being honest. I can’t even tell you what I did, what I was feeling (besides completely overwhelmed and exhausted) and the summer decided to dig its heels in, so I thought, “One bad autumn isn’t going to kill me.” 

I am delighted to say, in the end, this October turned out to be one of the best. The cold weather creeped in like an early morning fog. One day it would feel slightly crispy, then the next, we were back at 90 degrees. I felt like I was in a haze, wondering when I would start to feel that autumnal magic that I usually started to notice in August. Finally, FINALLY, October 7, the chilly weather decided to stick around. And that is when things got good. 

I travel a lot for work now. No where fancy, and nowhere particularly far. But it’s far enough that most days I feel like I’m in the middle of nowhere. Though all the driving can feel tedious, I have been grateful that my territory is surrounded by cornfields and farms. Tons of small cemeteries. Everyday felt like Over the Garden Wall. I made the most of these long drives whenever I could. 

But I think the real reason why this October turned out to be one of the best is because I now realize that I HAVE to make the most of all of my downtime. If I don’t, all I will want to do is sleep the second I get home. And what kind of life is work/sleep/work/sleep? For a long, long time, that’s all I seemed to do. It was a vicious cycle that caused me to lose all of my creative drive and positivity. And even though my new job is a vast improvement from the last few years, I found myself still trapped in that rotting routine. I always felt like I didn’t have enough time to do the things I enjoyed, so why bother trying?

Since autumn has always been a major source of inspiration and energy for me, I knew that this would be the moment; it was now or never. I would either force myself to do something, anything, creative, or I would be doomed to a life of scrolling on my phone and wishing that I wasn’t. I am grateful that I chose to get back to the land of the living once more. I found projects and crafts that I was excited to try, and literally wrote that into my calendar as I would do for an appointment. By the end of the work day, instead of being completely drained and ready for bed, I found myself energized and excited to go to my “appointment.” 

I’m not saying it was fool-proof and that I am suddenly cured of years of burn out and sadness over shitty work situations. But I have certainly noticed a major change in the way I feel and the way I approach each day. 

October restores my magic each year, and I am completely grateful for that. While we have some precious days of autumn ahead, you can feel it in the wind that it will not last. 

Winter brings a whole new energy–both positive and negative. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. I hope that the winter wind holds its breath just a little while longer so the fiery glow of the lingering leaves continue to cling to the trees before gracefully cascading to the ground and finally may rest. Another glorious season comes to an end.                    

As always, thank you for being here with me, despite my chaotic blog updates. One day there will a schedule, but that day is not today.