As we get ready to say goodbye to this wonderful summer, I must say that I welcome the incoming fall season. It reminds us that it is time to get back-to basics. Children return to the classroom and the trees will soon change the colors of its leaves. Autumn makes me think of order and calm and it reminds me that the earth is still rotating on its axis, Mother Nature is taking care of things.

Personally, my two favorite seasons are fall and spring.They are generally neither too hot nor too cold. Like in the story of TheThree Little Bears, the porridge was ‘just right’. Both seasons are mild, cool and refreshing in so many ways. 

The other day, we were having a discussion in a classroom about various places and their temperatures. We recalled that all places do not have all four seasons. Some places have never seen snow or if they have, it was a very rare occurrence. But here, in the Midwest of the USA, we enjoy the fullness of fall, winter, spring and summer.

When I lived in places that did not get all four seasons, I felt as if something was missing. I kept waiting for Mother Nature to softly remind me that it was time to change the wardrobe or prepare in some way for the upcoming frigid temps. But while living in the sunny south, it did not happen. Once I visited Houston during the Christmas holiday, it was 80 degrees on Christmas Day. Everyone was wearing shorts!

Being a Midwestern at heart, I silently cherish all four seasons. It is a quiet reminder that we are constantly changing and evolving as we keep in step with nature’s plan. We can now take a few deep breaths and give thanks that we survived this past summer. We can slow down and enjoy the calm breezes that clear the cobwebs from our minds. While moving at a slower pace, we will soon pull out those sweaters and light jackets.

And the truly wise will begin to stock up those cupboards, pantries and shelves during this autumn season. We never know exactly how fierce Old Man Winter’s roar will be, but we know he is certainly coming. In the meantime, we can savor a few aha moments as we walk on our tippy toes, adjust our circadian clocks and enjoy the magical gifts of this season!

Lynn M.
August 31, 2025