Build Wellness through Acceptance, Healing & Seasonal Self-Care

Photo by Vlada Karpovich

How are you feeling now autumn is here?

Are you happily dusting off your slippers in anticipation of cosy nights or bracing yourself miserably for short, dark days?

I used to be the latter, but can honestly say that these days, I am very much in the Happy Slipper Brigade.

Autumnal Gloom

Years ago, as September loomed, gloom would start to seep into my days.

Perhaps you feel that too?

My inner light would dwindle along with the sunshine as I grudgingly braced for bleak months, longing for a spring which felt like a lifetime away.

I can’t believe I felt that way, as my autumns are now filled with radiance and rest — a period I look forward to as an enjoyable time of reflection and renewal.

So what changed?

I did!

Shifting Perception

During a period of introspection following the loss of my Mum, I began to examine my life – what mattered, what didn’t.

I realised that 8 months of every year, I felt sad over something I had NO power over whatsoever – the weather! Eight months is 53 years out of an 80-year life.

I had practiced ‘radical acceptance’ in many ways, but not in this area. Radical Acceptance is accepting something as it is, without questioning or trying to change it. Seasons happen!

I realised that unless I moved to Barbados, there was nothing I could do – autumn would inevitably arrive every September. With that truth in place, I moved onto another area that I utilise a lot in my work as a Happiness Coach – appreciation.

I switched negatives for positives and asked myself, “What do I like about autumn?”

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Alongside happily donning my uniform of cosy jumper and comfy boots, I discovered a love of candles, twinkling fairy lights, vibrant autumn colours, and snuggling under my favourite blanket with a good book.

I connected to all my senses – the smell of autumn fires, the sound of crunchy leaves, the tightness in my cheeks from being out in the cold that made me feel alive.

The more good things I found, the more I found!

I flipped the script, changed perspective, accepted the unacceptable…

…and I began to see light at the end of that dark, wintry tunnel.

Learning How to ‘Winter’

Restoration, Preparation

Growth doesn’t stop in winter — it becomes quiet growth happening beneath the surface, both in nature and within ourselves.

So I slowed my pace.
I reflected on what had passed.
I cleared out internal emotional clutter, like old leaves.

I loved bringing rhythm to my life and, for the first time in ages, I began to look forward to September!

Now I embrace all seasons, adapting myself to them with routines and rituals — little things that mean something to me and keep me on track.

So how could you do the same?

Acceptance & Appreciation

Photo by Bigparadox

Seasons ARE what they are. You can’t change them — only adapt to them.

I love to bring light to the autumnal darkness by decorating my home with colourful ceramic pumpkins and candles.

Find things to appreciate about the different seasons to shift how you view them.

• What brings you joy?
• Can you find one thing to look forward to with each season?

Slow Down

Give your system a break. Stillness supports your inner growth process during darker months.

• Notice what overwhelms you. Can you let anything go?
• Simplify your social calendar and prioritise more ‘me time’.
• Switch off app notifications.
• Cut down screen time.

Ritual & Routine

Let your body know it’s time to shift gears. Change routine or create your own rituals as a conscious act of honouring each season.

• What changes may help you embrace seasonal shift?
• You could swap morning coffee for a turmeric latte or add quiet reflection time at the end of your day.

Follow your natural rhythm, find what works for you.

Solitude & Reflection

Photo by: Kaboompics.com

The darker months are a great time to become more introspective.

• Meditate or write your thoughts and feelings down in a journal.
• Reflect on your year so far – how have you evolved?
• What are you letting go of? Maybe you have some old beliefs or patterns holding you back.

Release & Rejuvenate

Just as trees drop leaves, you can use this time to clear away the energetic clutter you’ve build up inside.

• What are you carrying emotionally that is ready to release?
• Open space for renewal by clearing away the weight of trapped emotions and imbalances in your system.
• Install new, supportive beliefs in the space you’ve created within.

Methods such as The Emotion Code® and Body Code™ are great in these areas.

Deep Self Support

Increase your self-care for extra support during winter months.

• Go to bed early, rest and read or get more sleep to rejuvenate.
• Get 20 mins of daylight each morning to stimulate serotonin, one of your happiness chemicals.
• Diffuse essential oils to create a welcoming environment. Citrus oils such as Wild Orange are known to be uplifting*.
• Adjust your eating with seasonal fruits, root veg and nourishing soups.

Instead of resisting the darker months, learn to see them as essential. Your mind, body and emotions need that pause for rest, reflection and healing.

And if you do, autumn may just become your new ‘happy place’!

If you need extra support in any of these areas, I’m here to lead the way as your Happiness Coach, Emotion Code® and Body Code™ practitioner.

*Always check safety warnings when using essential oils.

Main – Photo by Prchi Palwe on Unsplash