Deciphering the Fall Blues

Dear Sass,
I think you're onto something about this fall feeling. In fall, I notice that I tend to have a lot more insecure feelings, ideas that I HAVE to do something, usually around issues of permission or 'shoulds'. Why do you think, seasonally, this is? What can I do, if anything, to alter these autumn blues?
Sincerely,
TB

Dear TB,

Whether it's the bracing air, the back-to-school rhythm we just can't seem to shake, the shortening days that make our activities feel more urgent or some mystery of nature, fall certainly seems to make us reevaluate what we're doing. Depending on what our habitual thought patterns are and where we are in relationship to our goals, this close look might be inspiring or blues-inducing. Sounds like maybe you're feeling pressured to use the energy of fall to do something other than what you're doing. If what you're doing now isn't serving you or your long term goals, then this could be a gift. I am much more inclined to write resolutions in September than in January, and I'm much more likely to follow through on them too. So it might be worth reflecting on any places in your life that feel stuck and directing some energy toward freeing them. On the other hand, you may be just where you should be. And in that case, rather than feeling pressured to do something different, you could direct the energy and urgency of the season to strenghthen and celebrate your stance.

Thanks so much for writing- it's awfully exciting to get my first question.

Yours Truly,

Sass