As the summer solstice approaches, a sense of unease begins to creep in. The joyful barbecues and gatherings of the Fourth of July signal the peak of the season, and by mid-July, retailers start replacing summer essentials with back-to-school supplies and cozy sweaters. Magazines begin publishing their August editions, featuring fall patterns, boots, and heavier fabrics. Although the calendar tells me summer has just begun, I can’t shake the feeling that time is swiftly slipping away. Before long, the long days will give way to the stark, cold landscapes of winter, and I’ll struggle to stay awake past 9 p.m.
But what about the fall season? To be honest, it has never been my favorite. It’s not just the dwindling daylight; it also brings a wave of anxiety. As a child, fall meant returning to school—trading summer freedom for hours spent in fluorescent-lit classrooms after weeks of camp and swimming. I did experience a flicker of excitement with new crayons and fresh outfits, but August always felt like a countdown to the inevitable return to academia.
As an adult in an office setting, the end-of-summer anxiety lessened due to the absence of a summer break. However, it still marked the conclusion of a more relaxed season filled with outdoor movies and leisurely evenings spent sipping drinks in sandals. Autumn meant donning wool skirts and warm beverages indoors, signaling that it was time to buckle down and refocus.
After several years in a cubicle, I transitioned to teaching, which granted me a more flexible summer schedule. Now, if I do teach, I have shorter semesters and a lighter course load. However, I also face the demands of parenting small children, with a to-do list that includes organizing, oil changes, and doctor appointments. Long summer days with little ones have their challenges, especially when they prefer bedtime at 10 p.m. and waking up at 5 a.m.
On reflection, I find that I genuinely appreciate the early days of fall. The temperatures become more enjoyable, and outdoor cafes are still inviting with an extra layer. The arrival of caramel apples in grocery stores prompts me to indulge weekly in their tart sweetness while they last. The crunch of fallen leaves underfoot adds a delightful element to strolls. I also look forward to the pumpkins, costumes, and festivities that accompany Halloween.
As I’ve matured, I’ve started to spend more time indoors, seeking refuge from the heat of summer. I no longer embrace the long, hot days at the pool like I did in my youth. Instead, I eagerly anticipate the cooler afternoons that come after Labor Day. Here in Colorado, fall can be unpredictable; we might experience snow in September, and an unexpected frost can reduce my garden’s dahlias to sad, blackened stalks overnight. Yet, such early snow often gives way to crisp, sunny days, and the golden Aspen leaves cascading down the mountains create a stunning backdrop for drives.
When the anxiety about fall sets in, I have to remind myself to embrace the season rather than rush into the next. This year, I’ll don a long-sleeved shirt and enjoy cider outdoors while the chrysanthemums bloom, making a conscious effort not to dwell on the coming winter—an entirely different experience altogether.
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In summary, the transition into fall carries both anticipation and challenges, urging us to appreciate the season while preparing for what lies ahead.
Keyphrase: Autumn transitions and reflections
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