“I’m a big believer that life changes as much as you want it to.” – Martin Freeman
As the leaves change colour and the nights grow longer, some of us start to feel a little low. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling melancholic at the sight of your first falling leaves, you’re not alone. Could we learn something from this seasonal transition? What if, instead of dreading the cold, we embraced it as a metaphor for coping with life’s inevitable twists and turns? Grab a warm, fluffy blanket and a cup of hot chocolate and let’s figure out a way to cope with both the autumnal blues and the big life changes we can’t avoid.
All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves. We must die to one life before we can enter another.” — Anatole France
As inevitably as one season follows another in nature, so does season follow season in your life. You know change is coming—whether it’s a new season….or a new job, a big move, a dreaded retirement or an empty nest. Autumn is here. In the same way, we know that winter is coming and there’s nothing we can do to stop it.
Even if we cannot stop seasonal change, we can choose how we react to it. The same goes for inevitable life changes. So, how can we change the way we react? Here are a few suggestions to help you weather the storms of the coming season, as well as the challenging changes in your life:
1. Go Outside
Yes, it’s colder and the sun seems to be doing a part-time job, but nature still works wonders on your mood, especially when you are going through a life transition. Even a brisk walk through the crunchy leaves can remind you that, when things seem gloomy, there’s always something beautiful just around the corner. Plus, you’ll need the fresh air if you’re going to survive all those cosy indoor movie marathons without turning into a blanket-wrapped hermit.
2. Let Go
One of the hardest parts of a life change—or a seasonal shift—is letting go of what you have to leave behind. Instead of mourning summer like a lost love, carry some of its joy with you into autumn. Is there something that makes you feel alive in summer? Maybe it’s the long days spent reading on the beach or the spontaneous get-togethers. Find a way to keep that going in your life, even when the sun sets at 4 PM.
3. Remember: This Too Will Pass
Winter doesn’t last forever, and neither do challenging life changes. Seasons change, life moves on, and before you know it, you’re shedding those extra layers (literal and metaphorical) and stepping into something new. After all, even the trees shed their leaves and need time to rest before they bloom again.
4. Lean on Your People
Whether you’re dreading the cold or a major life change, sometimes an in-depth conversation with a friend can work wonders. Even if you just need to vent about how much you hate the impending season or upcoming life event, while they nod sympathetically and hand you more chocolate/cheese. Don’t underestimate the power of your support network—sometimes all we need is someone to remind us we’re not in this alone.
5. Celebrate Small Victories
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when the days get shorter and your mood darker. During both seasonal changes and life transitions, celebrating little wins can make a huge difference. Finally cleaned out that drawer you’ve been avoiding for months? That’s a win! Went for a walk in the crisp autumn air? Another win! By focusing on small, daily accomplishments, you’re reminding yourself that you are making progress—whether it’s toward surviving winter or navigating a life shift.
6. Create “Feel-Good” Rituals
As the seasons change, so should your self-care routine. Whether it’s a Sunday-night bubble bath, making your favourite soup, or curling up in an armchair with a book, having something you look forward to can be a lifeline. It’s the same with life’s transitions. Having a comforting routine that grounds you in uncertain times can make all the difference. Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to buy more candles and fluffy blankets?
7. Focus on What You Can Control
One of the most frustrating parts of both seasonal depression and major life changes is how powerless they can make you feel. The sun sets earlier, the leaves fall off the trees, and your favourite summer activities are on hold. Similarly, when facing an unavoidable life change, it can feel like life itself is plotting against you. In both cases, focusing on what you can control helps. Maybe you can’t change the fact that it’s dark by 4 PM, but you can control how you spend those evenings.
8. Reconnect with Your “Why”
When things start to feel heavy—whether it’s the weight of winter or the weight of a life change—it’s helpful to pause and remind yourself why you’re going through this. What are you working towards? Maybe this impending life change, though tough, is opening doors for growth. Maybe winter is an opportunity to slow down and recharge. Whatever the shift, reconnect with your life’s purpose. Knowing there’s a worthwhile reason behind the change can help you ride out the storm.
9. Plan Something That Makes You Happy
We all need something to look forward to! If the thought of endless grey skies (or a major life change) has you feeling stuck, create a little light at the end of the tunnel. Plan a getaway, schedule a fun event, or make time for a creative project. Just knowing there’s something exciting on the horizon can keep you motivated and help ease the stress of whatever transition you’re going through.
10. Open Your Journal
Choose one (or more) of these journal prompts to help you cope with the seasonal changes: summer to autumn to winter, as well as the seasonal life changes:
1. Letting Go and Embracing Change
Autumn teaches us the beauty of letting go. What parts of your life are you ready to release, just as the trees let go of their leaves? What are you holding onto that no longer serves you? Reflect on how this release might make space for something new.
Journal Prompt: Think of a recent or upcoming life change that feels inevitable. How does it make you feel? What can you let go of in order to embrace this change, and how might it open up new possibilities for you?
2. Finding Warmth in the Cold
As the days grow colder and darker, we often seek warmth and light. What are your sources of warmth—both physically and emotionally? How can you cultivate a sense of comfort and security, even when things feel uncertain or uncomfortable?
Journal Prompt: Identify the people, activities, or environment that make you feel supported during times of change. How can you invite more of this warmth into your life, whether you’re transitioning into autumn or navigating a personal shift?
3. Reflecting on Growth
Autumn marks the end of a growth cycle, but it’s also a time to reflect on how far we’ve come. What have you accomplished this past summer—whether personally, professionally, or emotionally? What new insights have you gained, and how can they guide you through the winter ahead?
Journal Prompt: Take a moment to celebrate your victories, no matter how small. Write about a recent period of growth or learning. How will this growth help you in the next phase of your life, as you prepare for both the colder months and any personal changes you face?
4. Accepting Life’s Cycles
Nature’s cycles remind us that life is in constant motion, and nothing stays the same for long. What cycles are present in your life right now? What season of life are you in—one of growth, rest, or transition? How can you accept and honour this stage instead of resisting it?
Journal Prompt: Reflect on the current “season” of your life. How does it align with the natural world’s cycles of change? Write about how accepting the season you’re in—whether it’s full of energy, or quieter and more introspective—can help you find peace during transitions.
5. Nurturing Yourself Through Transition
Just as plants need care and rest during the winter to bloom again in spring, we also need to nurture ourselves during times of change. How can you take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being as you prepare for the colder months ahead, or as you go through a life transition?
Journal Prompt: Create a plan for self-care during this season of change. What practices, habits, or boundaries will help you feel balanced and supported? Consider what makes you feel grounded and how you can incorporate more of it into your daily life as you navigate both the seasonal shift and any personal transitions.
Walk Into Your Next Season
| If you’re looking for a way to shake off those autumn blues—or even process a major life change—there’s no better remedy than a Camino de Santiago walking retreat here in the southwest of France. Sure, the days are cooler, but the sun is still shining, and the autumn colours? Absolutely breathtaking. Imagine walking through vineyards ablaze in yellows, golds and reds, feeling the crisp air on your face, and letting the rhythm of your steps help you work through whatever changes life is throwing your way. It’s the perfect time to slow down, reflect, and reset. Plus, autumn offers a quieter, more serene Camino experience—no summer crowds, just you, the path, and the stunning French countryside. So, why not take that first step, literally and figuratively? Sometimes, all we need is a change of scenery and a bit of space to process what is happening to us, and one of the best places to do that is on the Camino de Santiago this autumn. |
“Autumn is a cunning muse who steals by degrees my warmth and light. So distracted by her glorious painting of colors, I scarcely realize my losses until the last fiery leaf has fallen to the ground and the final pumpkin shrinks. Autumn departs with a cold kiss, leaving me to suffer the frigid grasp of winter in prolonged nightfall.” ― Richelle E. Goodrich, Making Wishes