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?


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