Hello, fall.

I struggle against the end of summer every year.

So it may seem strange for me to say that I actually love fall.

But I do.

First of all, the colors are amazing. Cooler temperatures mean it’s so much comfortable to be outside, and sitting around a campfire roasting hotdogs with my family on a Saturday night is fun. And the crunch of crisp leaves under my feet when I take a walk…There’s something about that sound that puts an extra bounce in my step.

But WINTER. If fall is here, that means winter is next.

And my brain rebels against that thought.

Winter is not my friend.

• I really don’t like the cold.

• Or the lack of green grass and happy flowers for bouquet-making.

• I miss tending the plants in the winter.

I get a lot of my energy and happiness from being outside the rest of the year. Feeling the breeze on my face, hearing the tree leaves rustle, watching the bees buzz from flower to flower.

Last Saturday was the last pick-your-own session of the year. It looks like we’re going to have frost next Friday or Saturday, which will be the end of the flowers.

So last Saturday, I walked around the farm and breathed in deep.

I slowed down for an hour, really saw the beauty in each plant.

Felt the joy of just being, existing, surrounded by the changing season.

It felt good to slow down.

It felt good to see nature all around me.

My body relaxed, the tension in my shoulders faded. My face softened.

I was in the moment, and it felt wonderful.

I hope you experience that feeling of relaxation and joy this week, too.