And get 4 in-depth workshops for 4 of life's biggest decisions

Pre-order a copy of my new book

A $400 value FREE when you pre-order Create A Life You Love.

motherhood

Do I want to be a mom? And if so, when should we start trying?

home

Where do I want to live?

marriage

Are they "the one" & are we ready for marriage?

career

What are my next career steps?

the Everything Era Survival Kit

4 in-depth workshops for 4 of life's biggest decisions

pre-order today!

Create A Life You Love

Come On In, Fall. We’re So Happy To See You.

Anyone else feel like fall is underrated? Especially when compared with summertime? Here's why I think fall is actually the best season!
I'm Stephanie May Wilson!

I'm an author and podcaster and my specialty is helping women navigate big decisions, life transitions — creating lives they love.

hey there

The beginning of the story

get a copy

Get my new book!

Girls Night Podcast

Navigating big decisions & life transitions — one girls night at a time!

TOp categories

The Gift Shop

Matching shirts and meaningful gifts for best friends.

Books & Courses

Books, courses, workbooks, and guides to help you create a life you love.

Create A Life You Love: Comes out on April 30th!

Admitting you don’t love summer feels like saying you don’t love puppies, or sunshine, or rainbows.


It’s not that I hate summer, by any means, it’s just not my season, not my favorite, necessarily.


The reason I don’t love summer is because of the pressure it brings along with it. When the summer comes, you must be outside; you must make the most of it. Bar-be-cues and flip-flops, and cannon balls into the pool, every moment you’re not outside feels like wasting a gift. I don’t like that kind of pressure.


Summer months, although known for being lazy, don’t feel lazy to me. They feel packed with activity, places to go, things to do, activities to enjoy.


“Don’t waste me!” the summer seems to scream at me, and I try my best not to.


But by the time summer is over, I’m dragging my feet, longing for slower days.


This summer was a whirlwind of the best kind—and far more exhausting than the average season. It was packed to the brim with activity and change. Our wedding was this summer, and we went to four other weddings surrounding our own.


We traveled to Indianapolis on several occasions, and out to Denver three times. We made the trip from Atlanta to Nashville so many times we should get some kind of frequent traveler points, or a cookie, or something.


We went on our honeymoon to the Dominican Republic, got back and started work almost immediately. And then we spent August and September trying to get settled in a new city, in new jobs, in a new home, and as a newly married couple.


It’s been a lot, and I’m ready for a break.


And that’s what I find about summer, even the ones that aren’t as crazy as this one’s been. It’s all good, every bit of it. I’m a big fan of lakes, and bar-be-cues, and flip-flops, and cannon balls. I’m a big fan of fun, and sunny days, and camping trips, and afternoons at the pool.


But when the summer finally comes to a close, I’m very ready to see it go.


I’m ready for a calmer season, a time where I can rest, and hole up into myself—reflecting, and enjoying the little things, slowly and at my own pace.


I’ve never needed the quiet reflection of fall like I need it this year, and I’m so happy to welcome it in.


But even though fall is a slower season, I still don't want to waste a moment of it. I don't want to sprint through it, to pumpkin patches, and on hayrides. I want to savor it, slowly and sweetly, enjoying every last drop.


I want to relish every football game. I want to cheer on the Broncos and take lots of naps, with the soothing commentary and the afternoon sunlight lulling me to sleep on the couch.


I want to slip on my favorite boots, wrap a scarf around my neck, and crunch through leaves, going out of my way to step on the crunchiest ones, of course.


I want to look out the window as we drive, and really see the scenery as it changes. In Colorado the leaves go from green to yellow, and then it snows, cutting fall short and ushering in winter with a bang—ruining our Halloween costumes every single year.


But the South is different. Fall in the South is spectacular, the leaves turning colors I’d never imagined in real life.


I want to notice the trees as they change, and watch them turn from green, to yellow, to orange, and then fiery red, before falling to the ground like thanksgiving confetti.


I want to taste my Pumpkin Spice Latte, and pumpkin beer, and pumpkin pie—all the things we save specifically for this time of year.


I want to really notice fall as it comes and while it’s here, because it’s so temporary—a burst of color before the winter sets in.


I want to notice it because it matters.


Because although the days change more physically than ever this time of year, they remind us how much happens in a day, even when the trees don’t show us the passing of the time.


I want to be a person who notices, and it doesn’t happen naturally. Noticing takes slow intentionality, and that’s what I want to give life this fall. I want to do my very best to notice and celebrate every color, every flavor, and every moment.


Joy, flannel, and a Pumpkin Spice Latte to you. Happy fall!


What are you looking forward to as the weather gets colder?


P.S. Be sure to check out these related blog posts and podcast episodes:


Remember: Life is Unpredictable, Wildly, Thrillingly so


Is your Life Full of Life, or is it Just Plain Full?


Girls Night #98: How to Find More Hope, Joy, and Beauty in Your Everyday Life


Pin Me!

Anyone else feel like fall is underrated? Especially when compared with summertime? Here's why I think fall is actually the best season!

+ show Comments

- Hide Comments

add a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Amy says:

    Great post! You took the words right out of my mouth! Enjoy the season.

  2. I love this…and I never thought of looking at summer that way, but it is definitely true…The guilt of not being outside or not always doing SOMETHING. I’m looking forward to the cooler temperatures in Texas as summer was HOT. For cooler nights and mornings, when I can open the windows, sip my coffee outside without getting eaten alive by mosquitoes, and just slowing down. XOXO

  3. Charlotte says:

    Such a good point about the pressures of summer! I’ve been enjoying the fall so much this year. Things I’m looking forward to are new knitting projects (toques for winter!), carving my first pumpkin with my husband, going on walks/runs in the crisp air, and enjoying my fall-scented anthropologie candles (Baltic Amber and Amaretto Orange are my favourites).

  4. Ellen says:

    Girl it’s like you writing exactly what my soul feels. Just absolutely love this.

  5. […] finally, Stephanie’s (of The Lipstick Gospel) ode to fall speaks to my soul. Her love letter to the season is almost as warm as a giant knit sweater. Read it […]

Sign up for my newsletter and get weekly emails with stories, resources, updates (and discounts!) you won't find anywhere else. 

Get on the list,
and never miss a thing!

    Let's be friends!