Lately, I’ve been so caught up in my to-do lists—or rather, stressing over them—that I almost forgot how much I love this time of year. Fall is like nature’s grand finale, bursting with color, and that magical, cathartic rain of falling leaves always feels like a reminder to slow down. Those fleeting moments outdoors with the kids, soaking in the sunshine, are so precious, and it’s a shame to miss them. But even more rare is the time spent with myself, doing something that reignites my passion. Not self-care in the traditional sense, like a massage or a manicure, but an activity that truly wakes up my soul.
I used to love jumping into piles of leaves as a child, feeling that satisfying crunch beneath my feet. Why don’t I give myself permission to do that anymore? Why do I need to be so serious all the time? The truth is, I don’t. I deserve joy every day—without guilt, without needing to explain it. Sitting on a park bench in the sun, or being silly outdoors, should never need justification. Yet, as a society, we’ve created so many unnecessary rules and attached stigma to breaking them. Playing hooky on a beautiful fall day shouldn’t be seen as an indulgence—it should be prescribed for our mental health.
A statistic I came across recently really hit home. I attended an event at the Brookline Center for Mental Health, and they shared that over 75% of women report feeling burnt out—at work, at home, or both. That number is staggering. We need to do everything we can to bring it down.
So, I’m taking a breath, and I’m reminding myself—and you—to enjoy the season and reconnect with what brings you joy. Art has always been a tool for healing, and we all deserve to make time for that—without needing anyone’s permission.
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