Fall is in full swing here in Connecticut, and it truly is a spectacular show to behold. This annual cycle has got me thinking about letting go. Many trees do this very thing every year, as if to say, “Okay, leaves, it’s time for you to get off of me!” What can we learn from this? Here are some top takeaways from “get off of me” season.
The Real Reason Leaves Fall in Autumn
Most people think that leaves fall off deciduous trees in the fall because the wind blows them off. There’s actually a bit more to it.
To protect themselves during the cold, dry months of winter, deciduous trees form a layer of cells at the base of each leaf that gradually cuts off the flow of water and nutrients. This process eventually leads to the leaf’s death and, in many trees, contributes to the beautiful colors we see in autumn.
As this layer develops, the connection between the leaf and the tree weakens. Eventually, the leaf can no longer hold on, and when the wind blows, it often knocks the leaf loose.
It’s also interesting to note that many trees have already formed the buds that will produce next spring’s leaves. These buds remain dormant during the cold months, waiting for warmer temperatures and longer days to trigger new growth.
Takeaways from Trees and Falling Leaves
Watching the glorious display of falling autumn leaves can teach us some valuable lessons:
- Getting rid of things is a normal part of the cycle of life.
- Lightening up can help us rest and endure during difficult seasons.
- Letting go creates space and opportunities for new things to emerge.
Why People, Like Trees, Need to Periodically Let Things Go
For people, just as for trees, winter can be a rough season:
- The holiday season brings extra responsibilities and social demands.
- The weather can interfere with our plans and require extra chores.
- Spending more time indoors can leave our spaces feeling cluttered and congested.
- The hours of daylight wane, which can dampen our moods.
- Colds and other illnesses spread quickly and sap our energy.
To prepare for these more demanding times, we can learn a lesson from the trees and intentionally shed anything that isn’t serving us.
The relatively calm period between Labor Day and Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to consider what we might be ready to tell, “Get off of me!”
Questions to Help You Lighten Up
Not sure where to begin with letting go? Here are some questions to help you get started.
TIME
- Am I involved in any groups, organizations, or activities that I don’t enjoy or feel I contribute little to?
- Is there anything I can eliminate from my calendar or reschedule for another time?
- Am I saying yes to things out of obligation rather than genuine interest?
- Are there recurring commitments that take up more time than they’re worth?
- Am I allowing enough unscheduled time for rest, fun, and spontaneity?
SPACE
- Do I have any furniture in my home that I don’t love or use?
- Have I accumulated or inherited pieces that aren’t my taste?
- Am I storing large items in my garage that I could donate to make room for my car?
- Do I have a storage unit I could empty?
- Are there areas of my home that have become dumping grounds for things I don’t know what to do with?
- Is there a space in my home that would feel better if I removed just a few things?
BELONGINGS
- What do I own that I’m not using?
- What do I have in my space that I honestly don’t like?
- Am I holding on to things simply because they were gifts or cost a lot of money?
- Are there items in my convenient storage areas that I rarely use?
- Do I have duplicates of things I only need one of?
- What could I easily let go of today? (Click here for some ideas.)
RELATIONSHIPS
- Are there people in my life who cause me grief, sadness, or stress? Is there a way to change or limit my interactions with them?
- Do I have any social media contacts who detract from my quality of life?
- Are there relationships I’m maintaining primarily out of guilt or obligation?
- Am I taking responsibility for problems that really belong to someone else?
- Are there conversations or conflicts I need to stop replaying in my mind?
- Do I need to let go of an expectation I have of another person?
MONEY
- Am I spending money on anything that isn’t improving my quality of life?
- Are there any memberships or subscriptions I could cancel?
- Are there things I wish to sell? If so, what’s my next step toward getting the process underway? (For example, contacting an appraiser, finding a nearby consignment shop, speaking with an auction house, or researching eBay or Facebook Marketplace.)
- Am I paying for services I rarely use?
- Am I buying things out of habit, boredom, or stress?
- Are there financial obligations I could simplify or renegotiate?
BODY
- Do I have foods or drinks at home that I’m trying to avoid or that don’t make me feel good?
- Have I held on to exercise clothing or equipment that I dislike or never use?
- Am I keeping clothing that doesn’t flatter me or makes me feel bad about my body?
- Am I holding on to unrealistic expectations about how my body should look or perform?
- Are there habits that leave me feeling physically depleted rather than energized?
- Could I let go of a fitness or wellness goal that no longer fits my needs?
* * *
Circulating items out of our lives doesn’t always come naturally. We tend to be better at bringing things in than moving them out. Nevertheless, letting go can benefit us in many ways.
This fall, as you watch the leaves glide to the ground, take a moment to consider what you might be ready to eliminate from your life.
What would you be glad to be free of?
Thank you for this today as you read from my post Fall and cooler weather is definitely on my mind here, as well now Seana.
You and I need to find an upside to this cooling weather, right Janine? Time to start dreaming of Florida again:)
Omg.. I fail all of the “Time” questions.. 🙁 But I am TOO involved to just back out. It sucks. – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Always a tough situation, when you are needed and integral, but still feeling a bit overextended. Sending you “good vibes” so you can persevere!
I just got rid of some bulky furniture and electronics. I didn’t need them making me feel boxed in this winter season! And under the ‘Body’ section, you don’t mean Halloween candy, right?! 😉
Ah, Halloween candy – the beginning of the “season of temptation”, which for me starts with Halloween and ends with Easter candy! I had to start buying Halloween candy I don’t really like just to make the leftovers less tempting:)
Time commitments – boy do I need to work on this one! Thanks for another great post Seana!
That seems to be the group getting the most feedback. Clearly, many of us struggle with this one. So many great causes and interesting groups to be a part of — and then getting out of them can be tricky. Thanks for the comment, Laurie!
I’m in the thick of it right now – wedding season leads to foliage season. Holidays lead to blogging opportunities. However, I don’t feel I need to shed those things, but I’d love to lessen the load. I think that time will come, and then I’ll hunker back with some healthy soup!
Healthy soup sounds perfect! Looking forward to some great photos from foliage season – good luck, Tamara!
I love that analogy Seana! We need to shed the things we don’t need or cause us grief. This is especially important with relationships in addition to material things.
Physical things may be easier to shed, but an unhealthy relationship – left unchecked – can cause a lot of damage and leave us depleted. Lightening the load is worth the effort.
What a great post, so informative. I love the idea of what stuff I can “get off of me” .
Knowing you, Jill, I bet you don’t have much left to shed! But even POs need to take a look around and see what we can let go of to lighten the load:)
I was surprised to read the question “Do I have any social media contacts who subtract from my quality of life?” but it raises an interesting point. I think we all have certain people who constantly post negative comment or someone who makes us feel jealous because they’re always taking expensive trips or posting photos of their luxury home. There’s really no reason to keep following them!
This is exactly the kind of thing I was thinking of when I wrote the post. I have friends who complain about the posts made by some people they are in contact with. Good to remember that we actually invite them into our lives when we connect on social media, so it is worthwhile to be mindful about these choices!
Wow do I love this parallel for shedding! More than stuff, the shedding of toxic relationships and time sucks are critical for thriving. Thanks for reminding us that its’ time to assess.
The idea of being thoughtful about social media relationships seems to be resonating, which is interesting. We choose who we let into our lives in this manner, so we can also choose to say no, right Ellen?
I need to do a little trimming now, too. Time to cancel a few things and discard some junk around my house.
Few things feel as good as shedding items from the schedule! Best of luck… enjoy the free space:)
Seana,
This is powerful! I love this analogy…it’s useful for myself, as well as several clients that I serve. Thank you!
Thanks for stopping by, Natalie. I know lots of us can relate to needing to let go!
Ha ha…you and your tree analogies! Good job, Seana.
I guess you can tell that I live in an area with lots of trees, right Hazel?
I love the phrase “Permission to pitch”! Great article!!
Thanks, Debbie. Sometimes people just need to be given permission to let go of something!