Hello October

October has arrived, and here in Southwestern Ontario it is still warm, sunny and summer-like. But soon, as October unfolds, there will be a sudden burst of colour and a crispness will be in the air, signalling the transition from the warmth of summer to the coziness of fall.

This month, with its vibrant foliage, the comfort of Thanksgiving in Canada, and the anticipation of Halloween, offers us valuable lessons that we can apply to our lives. I have been thinking a lot about the wisdom imparted to us as each month unfolds. October reminds us to notice the magic of change, to gather with those we love, to give thanks for the abundance in our lives, and to embrace the beauty of letting go.

Notice the Magic of Change

Change is a constant in life. Change can, for many (myself included) bring a sense of anxiety or discomfort. We like to know what is coming and sometimes we would rather stick with what we know, even we know it isn’t healthy or good for us. But October serves as a gentle reminder that in change, there is magic and beauty. Looking out at the trees, watching the leaves transform from shades of green to brilliant reds, oranges and yellows reminds me that change can be breathtakingly beautiful.

In my personal life, I have been experiencing a lot of change. I recently turned 50, and while I have no idea what lies ahead, I am excited for the possibilities before me. Entering a new decade, watching my kids experience a new stage in life, with one entering high school and the other finishing and considering the next chapter of his life, and exploring what retirement from my career will look like over the next few years are all simultaneously exciting and scary. But nature teaches us that even in the face of uncertainty, there is magic, and everything happens exactly as it should.

The lesson for me in October is to notice the magic of change in our own lives. Whether it’s a new season, a job transition, or a personal transformation, change brings opportunities for growth and renewal. Embracing this change allows us to shed the old and welcome the new, just as the trees shed their leaves to make way for fresh growth.

We live in a fast-paced world and it can be easy to resist change and hold on to the familiar. However, by taking a cue from October and appreciating the beauty of change, we can learn to adapt gracefully to life’s shifts and find joy in the process.

Gather with Those You Love

October is a time when families and friends come together. Soon, in Canada, we will celebrate Thanksgiving, a time to draw closer to the people we love and to spend more quality time with one another. Whether cooking together, raking leaves, enjoying walks in nature, October provides opportunities for us to gather in ways we might not during other times of the year. It is a time of slowing down and simply enjoying our time together.

For me, October will be a time to celebrate renewal. My wife and I will celebrate our 20th anniversary shortly after Thanksgiving. After some very challenging months (and years) we are genuinely able to celebrate being together, the life and love and family we have created together, and the culmination of all the work we did to find our way back to each other. October teaches us the importance of gathering with those we love and cherishing these moments.

In our busy lives, it’s all too easy to get caught up in work, responsibilities, and distractions. I have spent years putting so much time and energy into my career, believing it defines who I am. However, this October I am reminded to prioritize the people who bring joy and meaning to my life. I have entered a season of my life where I want to create more separation from my work and discover who I am apart from that part of my life. And I believe the people I love deserve more of me than I have traditionally given them. So, whether it’s a simple autumn picnic, a cozy bonfire, or a Thanksgiving feast, gathering with loved ones will create memories to sustain us throughout the year. The act of gathering with family and friends fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens our relationships. It reminds us that, in the grand scheme of things, relationships matter most. So, this October, make an effort to connect with the people who matter to you and celebrate the warmth of togetherness.

Give Thanks for the Abundance in Our Lives

Thanksgiving is a cornerstone of October, serving as a poignant reminder to express gratitude for the abundance in our lives. The harvest season is in full swing, and Nature generously provides an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and other bounties. As I begin to clean up my gardens, I am considering the ways that Nature has provided – food for our table, opportunity to watch things grow and a reason to connect with the earth, something that brings me grounding and happiness. This abundance serves as a metaphor for the many blessings in our lives that we often take for granted.

Incorporating gratitude into our daily lives is a powerful lesson we can learn from October. By taking a moment each day to reflect on our blessings, we can shift our perspective and cultivate a more positive outlook. Recently, I have been experiencing some frustrations at work and feeling sadness and concern over what I see happening in our world. When our social media and news feeds consistently show all the reasons we should be afraid, the violence and hatred growing and the rise of intolerance all around us, it is easy to become discouraged and to live in fear and negativity. Gratitude has been shown to improve mental well-being, reduce stress, and enhance relationships. Even in the midst of all the negative (which we do need to acknowledge…this is not about toxic positivity) Gratitude reminds us to be mindful that there is also so much good in the world and in our lives.

One practice to consider during this month is keeping a gratitude journal. Write down three things you’re grateful for each day, no matter how big or small they may seem. I strive to journal each morning to remind myself of the beauty around me and I appreciate the richness of my life and the countless gifts that surround me. Give it a try if you don’t already have a gratitude practice.

Embrace the Beauty of Letting Go

As October progresses, the leaves on the trees begin to fall, covering the ground in a carpet of vibrant colors. This natural process teaches us the beauty of letting go. Just as the trees release their leaves in preparation for winter, we too can benefit from the art of releasing and letting go.

In our lives, we often cling to things, relationships, or habits that no longer serve us. We may fear the emptiness that letting go might bring. However, October reminds us that letting go is a necessary part of growth and renewal. It’s an opportunity to shed what no longer serves us, making space for new possibilities and experiences.

Whether it’s decluttering our homes, ending a toxic relationship, or releasing old grudges, embracing the beauty of letting go can be liberating. It allows us to move forward with a lighter heart and a clearer mind. Just as the trees shed their leaves to conserve energy and prepare for the coming winter, we can let go of burdens to prepare for a new season of our lives.

October is more than just a month on the calendar; it’s a teacher that imparts valuable life lessons. By noticing the magic of change, gathering with those we love, giving thanks for the abundance in our lives, and embracing the beauty of letting go, we can enrich our lives and find deeper meaning in the rhythms of nature and the seasons.

As we navigate the challenges and joys of life, may October be a reminder to all of us that change is beautiful, relationships matter, gratitude is essential, and letting go is a path to growth. By applying these lessons, we can make the most of this colorful and transformative month and carry its wisdom with us throughout the year.

Welcome, October!