Changing Seasons, the Passage of Time, & Embracing Today
As the Fall season approaches, many of us may find ourselves feeling stressed, rushed, or anxious. Fall in particular can elicit a sense of unease because it represents the approaching end of the year, causing us to feel like time is just speeding by and leaving us wondering where the days, weeks, or the last year has gone. Oftentimes, if there are goals we haven’t accomplished yet or struggles we’re still coping with, entering a new season can be difficult—emotional, even. That unsettling feeling of time moving too quickly can really start to set in as we enter the month of September.
However, if we can understand and reflect on these various emotions, and apply strategies to stay grounded and present, we can better cope with the seemingly rapid passage of time and the transitions between seasons. Rather than being troubled by the closing of another year, we can look forward to Fall with renewed hope and excitement.
First, let’s go a little deeper into why time seems to pass so quickly.
Our Perception of Time
If you think back to your childhood or adolescent years, it’s likely that you didn’t grapple with the whole time moving too quickly issue. Think back to the month of September when the school year started. It seemed like an eternity until it was time to pick out a Halloween costume or get those coveted days off for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Fast forward to adulthood and the month of September is entirely different. It seems like we blink and it’s time to put up holiday decorations.
Time starts to go by faster as we age and this has a lot to do with how, as adults, we perceive time. When you were a child, each life experience you had was new and different. Our brains created memories more richly and this made time feel like it went by more slowly. This is not to say that stress and hardships don’t occur during childhood and adolescence, but as we get older and become more familiar with our surroundings, daily routines, and customs, the brain doesn’t register life experiences as vividly. What was new and different years ago becomes more routine and, in some cases, maybe less interesting with time. Plus, there’s also responsibilities, life demands, and stress that tends to increase as we age, diverting our attention away from the beauty and positivity of life experiences and the here and now. The less present we are, the more it will feel like time is slipping away. This is why embracing today and being more present is so critical to our overall well-being.
Embracing the Coming Change of Season
One way you can cope with the seemingly rapid passage of time and that feeling of not being ready yet to enter a new season is to fully embrace the uniqueness of each season. For instance, reflect on what you love most about the Fall season. What does the season have to offer? What do you like about the weather or the shorter days? Are you looking forward to certain seasonal activities, slowing down a bit, more rest, or things you can do indoors that you maybe haven’t done for several months? Reflect on how you can welcome the upcoming season and plan tasks or activities that you can look forward to.
Slowing Down & Staying Present
Practicing mindfulness is another great way to counter that feeling of time slipping away. Remember that one of the reasons time didn’t start moving so quickly until you grew into adulthood is because, as a child, it’s likely that you were much more absorbed into the present moment. You weren’t multitasking all the time, and worry and planning for the future may have been less frequent issues for you. Mindfulness encourages you to focus on today and embrace it by fully engaging with your surroundings and experiences. By being more mindful, you’re savoring moments rather than letting them pass by unnoticed.
Fall is the Perfect Time for Intentions & Goals
When you set goals and pursue something new, you will combat the feeling of being out of time because the year has come and gone so quickly. When you set intentions for how you want to spend your time, you give every day more structure and purpose. Consider learning a new skill, planning a trip, or deciding to set aside more time for self-care. Whatever your intentions and goals are and whether they are big or small, having something to work toward makes time feel more purposeful—and the coming of the new season far less overwhelming. Regain control of how you spend your time and you’ll see how your days will feel more meaningful.
In the coming months, make it a point to embrace the beauty of the season. It’s a collective human experience to observe the passage of time and feel at least a small pang of worry or stress. For many, it can trigger deeper feelings of anxiety or sadness. However, if you embrace the coming Fall season with appreciation for its uniqueness while remaining present and setting intentions and goals, you’ll see how you will be able to fully engage with the world around you. You can make the most of every day and find peace in the natural rhythm of the passage of time. It’s likely that as a child, you remember the adults in your life telling you how life is so precious and how you should enjoy it because it goes by quickly. You’ve likely learned that life truly is precious, but it doesn’t have to feel like it’s slipping away from you. Determine yourself to make every season a time of growth, reflection, and joy.