Taking back fall

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

I was in a serious car accident in the fall. I also have other traumas from fall time and have had several close people die during the fall. So even though it's not officially fall time yet, my therapist and I have begun to talk about ways that I can "take back fall"- meaning make it less scary and full of triggers and find enjoyment again. Fall used to be my favorite season and now I wish I could just skip it. One of the things I am doing to take back fall is to make a collage of pictures of fall. I am wondering if people could give me suggestions on how else I might "take back fall".

 

[FauxLiz]

Not knowing what part of the country you live in some ideas could include going to a fall festival, visiting an apple orchard and picking apples. Enjoying apple cider and/or apple donuts. Picking pumpkins and gourds and decorating your yard or porch. Go for a walk along a wooded trail after the leaves begin to fall. Just a few ideas from my part of the country.

 

[scout86]

Something I liked to do when I was a kid, was take colorful fall leaves and press them flat, I think between wax paper. I don't remember the details, just that the leaves looked pretty and they lasted a long time. There were quite a few art type projects using fall leaves, as I recall. Maybe you could do some activities like that with your kids?

 

[Deleted member 12723]

One of the things I am doing to take back fall is to make a collage of pictures of fall. I am wondering if people could give me suggestions on how else I might "take back fall".

Back in the day, when I was in therapy, I made many collages and I was amazed at how much I had revealed about myself on them. It taught me so much. I think you are off to a very start.

I like the idea of decorating for the fall. I after a four year hiatus am going to decorate this year. Basically any passion you once had for this season would be good to try again at least one time, and taking really good care of you.

You inspired me and I want to make another collage now. Take care and good luck.:hug:

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

Not knowing what part of the country you live in some ideas could include going to a fall festival, vis...

I could definitely do those things. I think going to an apple orchard is definitely on the list of things to try. Maybe going to a different one that doesn't hold memories.

There were quite a few art type projects using fall leaves, as I recall. Maybe you could do some activities like that with your kids?

Involving the kids is a great idea. Thanks.

 

[The Albatross]

New experiences combined with time and consistency will over-write old ones. I had to take hard aim at October (around Halloween thru the end of January) and made a plan/strategy and serious effort each and every year as it would approach.
Part of it was a book by Cami Walker... 29 Gifts. Where it was a challenge... 29 gifts in 29 days. It has become a behavior now and helped me learn during the more difficult season how to scan for opportunities rather than crumble into the old cycling. I would also be on the lookout for more beneficial celebrations, activities or hobbies as I kept my nose to the grindstone in maintenance. Now I have consciously re-engaged/renewed some seasonal things and also created new "traditions" for that most difficult period.

 

[Cannottakethis]

Apple picking, maybe pumpkin picking. @Rain mentioned decorating... I love painting pumpkins. Much less mess than carving in my opinion. If you have any picturesque areas to go see foliage changing that could be a fall thing to do as well.

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

One of my favorite things about fall is observing the trees. Staying aware of how quickly some change their colors...how some never do...how incredibly vibrant some of them become...watch the rate at which the leaves fall...consider each leaf that falls as performing its last dance and I always thank them for choosing to do so in my presence....and noticing how beautiful even the bareness can be.

You can gather some of the leaves you like the best and make a mobile, of sorts, out of them by tying thread around them and hanging them from a clothes hanger, or from grapevine, or other limbs, etc. you find in your nature adventures. You can spray and seal them with polyurethane or something similar if you wish for them to last a while. Take back the beauty that surrounds and celebrate/savor it every chance you get.

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

One of my favorite things about fall is observing the trees. Staying aware of how quickly some change their colors...how some never do...how incredibly vibrant some of them become...watch the rate at which the leaves fall...consider each leaf that falls as performing its last dance and I always thank them for choosing to do so in my presence....and noticing how beautiful even the bareness can be.

I like this idea since I currently hate the sight of the colorful leaves since it's an obvious reminder of fall. Maybe if I think of it in a new way, it will help.

helped me learn during the more difficult season how to scan for opportunities rather than crumble into the old cycling

Thanks for your response. I like the idea of looking for opportunities rather than falling in the old cycle. The old cycle is what I definitely what I usually do and really want to stop.

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

Today it sounded (windy) and felt (chilly) like fall. I did not do well. I hid as much as I could. I am also trying a new sleep routine which made me very tired (it's a long term goal so that was expected) so that didn't help. I did make a very small fall collage and I like some of the pictures.