Happy almost Fall Reader,

The end of a hot southern summer is starting to invigorate me a bit. How are you feeling about the changing of the seasons this week? It can sometimes be a bittersweet time of change. Pining for the slower days of summer, while looking forward to the crisp cool days of Fall (and maybe some pumpkin spice?). It's also really hard to be patient, and my human nature and productivity programming just wants the next thing to arrive already!

I do love these in-between times though because they allow me to slow down and pause more. To really notice nature changing around me, albeit the season changes REALLY slowly in south Texas this time of year. Perhaps that's why it slows me down more, because it's hard to see Fall at the moment. Except for the fall decorations in the stores and advertisements, it doesn't seem that different here. But some of you may notice more changes, depending on where you live.

So take some time to get outside this week and see what changes you notice, both outside and inside yourself. What do you want to leave behind you, and what are you looking forward to? Whatever season of life you are in, nature reminds us that we are part of a larger cycle of life. That's also why the changing of the seasons comforts me. It reminds me that all aspects of life, good and bad, are temporary, and change is always around the corner.

Sometimes there's a sad feeling in Fall because it seems like everything is starting to die off. I choose to embrace the bittersweetness of this season, and instead of seeing things as dying, I see rest and relaxation on the horizon. The Earth is putting down its heavy work and busyness of summer growth and activity, and is preparing for its winter rest. She tends to enter this restful time with so much beauty as well. Whether it's colorful leaves, or a bountiful harvest of seeds, there is beauty to behold.

I hope you enjoy some bittersweet beauty this week and this season.

The Niks in Nature Blog has a new post about this liminal time of transition, so you can read more there. It's also on Medium. If you're not a Medium member, you can create an account here.

Thanks for reading and connecting with me. If you loved it, please reply and let me know what you loved, or show your appreciation by clicking the button above to buy my a warm beverage that I can cozy up with during my next Niksen time in nature!