Autumn

By Cheryl Hansen

Summer is over. Over! Maybe it’s the child deep down inside me (or not so deep after all), but the end of summer has always had a sad undertone for me. It’s like the fun is over—time to put away the paddleboard (wishing I’d used it more) and pack up the shorts and cute tanks (just when I’m feeling confident enough to wear them).

But I decided recently to change my point of view. Instead of mourning the end of summer, I’m going to celebrate the arrival of fall. I love the vibrant colors and cooler temps. I can open up every window in the house and just breathe. And if I want to get all poetic, there’s a clear message that fall represents: everything changes.

Even me.

I’m truly rocking this health thing right now. Intermittent fasting is not only working, it’s not that hard to do. I’m walking every day (my kids and dog are right there with me) and I’m more confident than ever in my yoga classes. Yet, in the back of my mind, I’m afraid that I will abandon my new-found habits and go right back to the way I was. Why? Because it seems to happen every time I get a handle on my health.

Maybe it’s time I change my point of view. Instead of fearing a return to old habits, I’m going to celebrate my new ones. I can focus on how much better I feel after a walk or a yoga class, and how riced-cauliflower stir-fry really does taste amazing. I can open up every window in the house and just breathe.

Change is a good thing after all.