I can’t seem to walk past a bramble bush at the moment without popping one of the juicy plump berries into my mouth. Although it feels a bit like Russian roulette with the eye-watering sour ones! Autumn is definitely drawing closer. The orange-brown leaves are starting to fall to the ground. The fragrant wildflowers in the fields are starting to decay. The hedgerows are full of juicy sloes, rosehips, elderberries and hawthorn berries. And the mornings have got colder. And I love it! Autumn is 100% my favourite time of year. I’m already dreaming of big cosy woollen jumpers, homemade heart-warming soups and delicious apple crumbles!!!

And have you noticed that Autumn is the time of year when nature starts to slow down a bit. After the initial flourish of Spring and busy-bee activity of Summer. Now is the time when Mother Earth starts to naturally let go of what no longer serves her so that she can survive the long cold Winter.
A wise person asked me this week what lessons had I learned in this Summer? At first, I was like hmmm not sure I learned anything this Summer… it just flew by! But I went with it and started to feel into what I may have learned.

I concluded that one of my biggest lessons is that I didn’t rest enough. I’m still feeling really tired. And I think there’s several reasons for this;
a) I have A LOT going on in my head right now. I’m very aware I’m an over-thinker and there’s been soooooo much to think about lately. Even when my body has stopped… my mind keeps going! Can you relate to this?
b) I can’t remember the last time I had a proper holiday. It turns out that 5 days in Wales and a couple of wild camping weekends (which aren’t actually holidays as they’re personal development work) in the last 12 months is not enough to deeply replenish my energy.
c) I also seem to have this innate desire to try to do everything on my own. Be a strong independent woman. Don’t ask for help. NEWS FLASH… it’s simply not possible!!!!

And that brings me on to my second lesson. I’m not spending enough quality time with like-minded, uplifting people. I miss connection. I’m sure this is a hang-over from all the lockdown craziness over the last couple of years. I don’t know about you, but my social life has never quite recovered. In some ways I’m a little relieved, as it was way too busy before. But I do need more connection than I’m currently getting. I definitely know I’m not alone with this, as I’m hearing it frequently from clients, friends and business associates.

I was reminded of the importance of connection again this morning when I met a friend for a cuppa. We sat for over an hour putting the worlds to right. Sharing our highs and lows. And I felt so energised afterwards. Heard, seen, understood and accepted. I think we often underestimate how powerful this can be.

My third lesson is that nature is deeply replenishing for me. Well, this wasn’t actually a lesson… more of a big-fat-slap-in-the-face reminder. There’s something quite magical about floating in the sea with your ears under water. Being gently rocked by the waves and listening to the heart whisperings of the sea. Or wondering through the early morning misty woods towards Wayland’s Smithy to the very curious sniffing sounds of an energetic Labrador.

So, what have these lessons taught me? What do I need to let go of that’s no longer serving me? What am I going to do differently for the rest of this year?

Firstly, I’m going to let go of trying to do everything on my own and ask people for help. Because I know it’s actually a sign of courage to show vulnerability and let people know that you’re you need help and support. I’ve been doing this much more in the last few days, and I’m noticing that most people really love to help. AND you feel more connected to those people! Double-whammy-brucey-bonus.

I’m going to let go of my busy mind by bringing back my morning writing practice. As it’s a great way to help offload all those whirry thoughts and reconnect on a deeper level. I’m also going to spend more time in nature as you can’t help but let go of your ‘over-thinking monkey brain’ when you’re noticing the changes and beauty in nature.

I’m going to get more fun stuff booked in my diary with like-minded and uplifting friends. And I’m going to spend a week in the glorious Spanish sunshine, eating amazing tapas and relaxing with my husband and in-laws this Winter.

I wonder what lessons have you learned over the Summer? What would you like to let go of in Autumn that no longer serves you? What will you commit to doing differently for the rest of this year? And really feel into it – what difference would it make it you did?