Fall in Colorado

Brrrrrr. It’s already getting cold and I’m not sure I’m ready yet.

This morning I woke up and I was 44 degrees outside. AND IT’S SUPPOSED TO SNOW ON THURSDAY!!!

I’m not complaining, I’m really not. But it is an abrupt reminder that fall is here. Last week I was wearing shorts on my run and today I’m wearing long pants. Again, not complaining.

There is a lot about autumn that I like. The colorful leaves, baking pies, snuggling with Simon, talking with friends around a fire, warm blankets, and hot chocolate, lots of hot chocolate; and that’s not even taking into account Halloween (that, I could talk about for a while too). But my most favorite thing about autumn is that it’s all about change.

You can’t miss it, the leaves are changing, so is the temperature and that gets me to start thinking about the changes in my own life. The biggest change in my life is that this year Simon and I moved into a brand new house, ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN! Does it get any better?!? Every morning I wake up and I can look out of my window over the valley and it brings peace to my life and also rejuvenates my creativity. I can go out my back door and boom, I’m in nature. Yes, there is the occasional bear that tries to get into my trash and reach through the dog door that was here when I bought the house, but there are also so many other creatures that live literally outside my bedroom window.

Simon likes it too. He loves being able to watch the birds fly by or I will come across a dead mouse or two that he proudly places for me to see. Because the house is built, literally, into the rocks there are lots of places for Simon to climb and jump around, and we will go on adventures together outdoors, exploring our new yard. He also likes sitting out on a ledge on the porch, looking out across the valley, and I wonder what he is thinking. In the summer his black fur makes him hot and so he really likes that it gets cooler and I will find him sprawled on the floor in a sunbeam, soaking up the sun. I think he really likes this change.

I am also doing a lot of self-care and starting to change some things in my own life and career, and while I could do a whole other blog post about those things, I wanted to share with you some things I have implemented into my own life, as I start to think about the changes of autumn.

So here are my 5 tips to positive change:

1. 1. Think about where you have come from.

Before you can start thinking about the future and the changes that it brings, you have to start with looking back at your past. What are the things of your past that you wish you could change? Maybe it’s sitting on the couch and watching TV when you could get out and go for a run. Whatever it is in your past that you wish was different, it’s never too late to start now.

2. Let go of what is holding you back.

This ties in really well with my last tip because while you are thinking about where you are coming from and what has been happening in your life, you can also start to think about what is it that is holding you back from making the changes in your life that you want to make. What are the mental or physical barriers that are keeping you from being happy? What is it that keeps you from achieving your goals?

1. Focus on your goals.

As temperatures drop, it may be tempting to spend the day watching TV, but I feel much better about my day when I don’t spend it sitting around. In fact, autumn is the perfect time to start achieving your goals. You don’t think about your summer vacation and fun summer parties, which means you have more time to think about your life and what you can change about it.

4. 4. Cultivate positive thinking.

Sometimes the changing weather and the colder temperatures bring out all those bad thoughts we all think about and it’s hard to think about the positive things in life. It’s a huge challenge to stay positive when most people around you are moaning about bad weather and lack of energy. Take up the challenge this autumn and learn to think positively, even when everyone is sad and depressed. This way, you will adopt a new habit that will help you start living your life to the fullest.

5. Spend more time in nature

I don’t know about you, but I find that I think best when I am in nature. Nature centers me, it energizes me, it brings out my creativity, it makes me more appreciative of what I have. The yellow, orange and red leaves on the changing trees, the chill air and all those fall fruits and veggies help to boost my mood and energy and get more done in a day. This last week Simon and I explored some great places in Boulder, CO. If you ever get the change to drive the Peak to Peak highway, right now is the perfect time. The leaves are starting to change and there is more snow at the top of the mountains. Another great place to check out is Indian Peaks wilderness. It’s a great place to go to be alone with nature and reflect. Both of those places are so beautiful right now.

So with that, I have to ask you, are there any changes you want to make in your life? And, I also want to know, what is your favorite part about autumn? Hop on over to my Instagram and write me a comment on any of these posts, ‘cause I would love to hear your answers!

I will catch you on the flip side and HAPPY AUTUMN!!!