Once the main holiday season has disappeared and the back-to-school rush has passed, life can sometimes just represent a slow countdown until the stresses of Christmas and the end of the year. But then along comes October – sandwiched between summer and winter – and jam-packed full of fantastic festivals and events, as well as lots of other beautiful things that make me happy.
L.M. Montgomery who wrote Anne of Green Gables, said. “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” And I couldn’t agree more. It’s a wonderous month, signified by cosiness, warmth, nurturing, abundance, and inspiration and it’s one of my favourites for the following reasons.
October has something for everyone
Whether it’s the change in weather and temperature, signified by misty mornings and dusky evenings, or the emphasis on nature’s produce, October has something for everyone. For a start there’s fruit from the trees – conkers, acorns, apples and pears, and the hedgerows too in the form of sloes, rosehips, elderberries and blackberries. And let’s not forget seasonal vegetables either – butternut squash, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower and of course pumpkins.
And once the harvest has been collected and there may, or may not, have been a festival locally, I love watching the leaves change colour from green to vibrant reds, oranges, browns or yellows before they fall. But once they are on the ground, there’s that crisp crunching sound when you walk through them, and of course the opportunity to kick my way through piles of them when I’m enjoying time outside with friends and family.
Reset your internal calendar
October is the month where we lose a little more daylight at the end of each day. This all culminates in the hour going back, which makes me reset my internal calendar. For me it’s about enjoying snuggling up under a blanket in the evening and the mesmerising visual delights of a log fire. And then there’s the food. Hearty roasts, stews, pies or cakes. Comfort food at its finest.
Before you know it, Halloween is upon us, and the kids are out trick or treating and you find yourself being volunteered to carve out some pumpkin lanterns and buy or eat lots of sweets. Alternatively, you are encouraged to dress up in something spooky and join the kids for some fun.
It’s also the time for warm winter coats, scarves and boots, whilst jumpers are hastily pulled out of drawers. On crisp mornings, you can see your breath and be forced to scrap your car free of the season’s first frosts, but then you have the opportunity to retreat to a warm house in the evening when you can snuggle up and read a good book. There’s nothing nicer than reading and October seems to be the best month for it. I also find it provides many opportunities to be sociable and unwind, whether that’s meeting up for long walks, pub lunches and evenings out, or just chatting over a coffee or hot chocolate.
Time to think
Despite the food, clothing and nature’s visual delights, I find October to be the ideal time to get some head space, relax and think. I start to make plans and preparations, both personally and professionally for the winter and Christmas in particular. Its slower pace allows me time to reflect on what I have achieved, before giving me the impetus to hone my focus on what I need to accomplish in the coming months. Whether that’s personal growth, wanting to gain different skills, or take up a new hobby, I usually have a strong sense of purpose and drive this month.
Ok, so I’ve shared with you my October highlights. What are yours? Plus, if you need help and support to make plans and preparations to improve you and or your business, please get in touch 07780 692784 or debby@total-spectrum.com
