There’s something about fall.

That makes me feel as if I’m reborn again.

I know. It doesn’t make sense. After all, the leaves are turning brown, yellow, and orange, and the trees are starting to look a little bare. The temperature’s dropping and I have to layer up because it’s starting to get cold again.

Still.

I think it must have something to do with the feeling that my body actually needs to do something to stay warm. Going outdoors and exercising isn’t as easy because it takes a little more time to warm up. I can’t just hop out of bed and be ready to go. Everything begins to take a little more time.

Or I guess, everything takes a little more work. 

Which, oddly, also makes me feel more alive. 

The contrast between the crisp air and the warmth of the sun keeps my senses heightened, trying to make sense of the change of the seasons. 

I go through my normal daily routines and still my body feels a change in the air.

There’s a shift happening. And I need to pay attention.

And as my body learns to adapt to the changing of the seasons it also reminds me to pay attention to what I am doing with my life.

Where am I? How are my goals? Does anything need to change? Where can I dial back? Where can I add more?

Today, as I sit on my bed and see the sunshine raking across my neighbor’s pale peach-colored house, I am thinking I can dial many things back, and life can be yet, even simpler than I believe.

Eat healthy, spend time with friends, tell those you love that you love them, make art, indulge in some coffee or boba every once in a while, and don’t make things too complicated for myself. Practice non-attachment. Acknowledge when things have done its job and let go. Life is short. But it’s also long enough. There really is no rush. Stop comparing. Because seriously, we’re all pretty damn different. Stay humble. Count your blessings. And be nice.

by Jason Lam