AUTUMN WILL BE DIFFERENT THIS YEAR.

I have always had issues around the season of Autumn.
I have always found it a particularly difficult time of year.
To me its been the season of mists and melancholy.
The season of loneliness and loss.
The season when the oppressive darkness appeared to smother and trap us.
The season when everyone went inside to their families, and left ours unprotected.
The season when the Winter goblin is waking up, and reaching out to steal any hope that the Summer had offered.

This year I have decided that things must change.
I must try and embrace Autumn, to be positive and appreciate the now, rather than hanker after the retreating Summer.

So I will pack away the sandals and shorts with a smile, rather than a heavy heart.
And I will perhaps even sing as I take out the woolly socks and chunky sweaters!
I will admire the gold and russet colours as they flutter on the ever cooling winds.
I will listen to the crunch and rustle of crispy leaves underfoot.
I will admire the ripeness and colour of pumpkins, apples and corn cobs.
I will enjoy the heady perfume of wood smoke as it blows on the crisp evening air.
I will try to forget the long barmy days of Summer....for now!
Instead, I will enjoy coming back indoors; early nights, roaring log fires and hot chocolate with floating marshmallows.
And, from the within the warmth of my home, I will gaze out at the beauty of a silvery harvest moon.

Then, perhaps, just perhaps, instead of dreading the darkness, I will learn to welcome it, understanding that Autumn is a time of letting go and accepting that nothing is permanent.

Yes, this year I will try, really try,to embrace Autumn!