Like many of us, I have always looked upon this time of year as a fresh start. I have no doubt that this is a feeling which originated as a result of all those years at school - smart new shoes, exercise books full of blank pages, and a different classroom to get used to. After a summer of freedom, bare feet and warmth, it was often difficult to adjust to restrictive clothing, routine, and early bed times. But it was all new and incredibly exciting at the same time.
Since the autumn equinox, there has been a distinct change in the weather. The warmth of the summer has replaced by fresher mornings and evenings. It's getting dark much earlier now, conkers are falling from the trees, and the leaves are beginning to turn. It isn't yet porridge-for-breakfast weather, but it won't be far off.
In all my years, not a lot has changed, and yet everything feels so different now. Time marches on, and if we're not careful it can overtake us, leaving us stuck in a reality that no longer fits. Lately, I've shaken things up a whole lot. I've looked at my life and realised that just because things have been a certain way for so long, doesn't mean they should remain so. I've made some small changes, and some not so small. And there is still some work to do. It has been challenging to acknowledge those areas that no longer align, but it has been empowering and liberating at the same time.
I don't think I have ever learned so much about myself, as I have done during these last twelve months. I also hadn't appreciated just how big a burden I had been carrying. But I am relieved to say that I have finally turned that corner. Hurrah! Now I just need to focus on building up my strength and fitness levels.
Back soon.
J. X
Hopefully all the changes will help improve your fitness. Life seems to go in distinct phases. It’s looking good in your corner. B x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara. I'm feeling cautiously optimistic. X
DeleteIt's good to change things occasionally to revitalise, new beginnings help us move forward. Squirrels are burying conkers from next door's Horse Chestnut tree all over our garden at the moment. Cooler mornings and darker evenings herald a change of season:)
ReplyDeleteThis made me smile. It's lovely to watch squirrels :)
DeleteHappy you are in a better place now-Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine. It was a huge relief to receive my recent test results. Xx
DeleteHere’s to new beginnings! I am so glad to read that you have turned a corner and that you are able to look forward into a bright future xx
ReplyDeleteYay! Thank you, Christina. X
DeleteThis all sounds very positive and exciting, Jules. It does us all good to reevaluate and to challenge ourselves.
ReplyDeleteLoving that house and garden! x
The change of the seasons often brings about a reevaluation. X
DeleteI too adore the garden. Looking at it calms me and fills me with joy, thanks Jules. June
ReplyDeleteThe garden was beautiful. It was so lovely to spend a morning there. X
DeleteSo much sun in these photos (and in these words).
ReplyDeleteWe have enjoyed some beautiful autumn weather recently. X
DeleteIt's all sounding quite positive . . . which is very good.
ReplyDeleteYour photographs are lovely, a very nice mix . . . my favourite is the third one.
Wishing you happy Autumn days ahead.
All the best Jan
Thank you, Jan. I loved the hint of autumn colour in that particular photograph. X
DeleteI do like the picture of the sunny autumn garden. Sounds like you are ready to make some changes and they all sound like some positive changes. It is always interesting to me that autumn signals a time of new beginnings to some. When I was growing up, the new school year started in January, so new beginnings started in January. :)
ReplyDeleteJanuary would make much more sense. I often wonder why our school year begins in autumn. X
DeleteI wish you all the best in everything. Your photos are beautiful and your food looks delicious 😋
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. That is very kind. X
DeleteI'd commented on your post and (thought) I pressed publish as the builders landed at the back door. But I see I didn't so here goes (hope I can say what I said before!)
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in Africa our new start is in January - our school new year starts then too, I still, after all these years can not get my head(or heart) around an autumnal beginning.
However - it sounds like you are evolving into someone you are feeling more at peace with, some of these changes are hard and others cathartic however as you mention - empowering. xx
I can imagine the builders would be quite a distraction :)
DeleteJanuary would be a more sensible start to the school year. Being a summer baby, I was usually the youngest in my year group. X
I love when we learn things about ourselves and life. This is very, very good.
ReplyDeleteI'm always learning :)
DeleteAren't the nights drawing in quickly, I can't believe it's getting dark so much earlier already. We sometimes get stuck in a rut and can't see a reason for it but change is good, onwards and upwards.
ReplyDeleteI never look forward to those really dark nights in January. I'm going to lean into Hygge this winter.
DeleteWe’re constantly growing and evolving and sometimes it does us good to let go of what no longer works for us, even if it can be very uncomfortable to make those changes. Well done for pushing forward with them xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to get stuck in a rut if we're not careful. Sometimes it can be good to step out of our comfort zones. X
DeleteHello my dear beautiful Friend! I agree about this time of year - it's always felt like a fresh start to me too. And I applaud your bravery in whatever you are dealing with and embracing the changes you're making...and the new person you are becoming. Know I am cheerleading you on and wishing you the best in every way. Blessings always. xoxo
ReplyDeleteNow I know I can't go wrong if I have you as a cheerleader, my dear friend. X
DeleteHello, sweet friend. I am always inspired by you, and the words you share. Thank you for sharing you heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Billie Jo. I hope you're enjoying your most favourite time of the year. X
DeleteIt has been such a tough time for you, but it is good that you are moving onwards and upwards into a place that is right for you now. Wishing you a bright future.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beverley. I appreciate your kind words. X
DeleteYou've inspired me...as you always do. I have corners to turn; however I just can't see around them. I get stuck...I need to shake up much, sigh...easier said than done. So glad to hear you're following your heart. Thank you for sharing you part of the world, if I could run away I would! Take care, so, so happy to have found this lovely spot in the world.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary. I hope you manage to get around those corners. What is hiding there is often just what we need. Xx
DeleteHi Jules, This post makes me so happy and excited for you! I'm happy to hear you have shaken things up a whole lot. And just because things have been the same way for so long doesn't mean they should remain so. Very inspiring words. Yay for new beginnings! I'm cheering for you, dear friend!
ReplyDeleteCheering right back at you, Julia. Xx
DeleteYay, glad you’re feeling happier and lighter! X
ReplyDelete