Dictionary.com defines autumn as a time of full maturity. Merriam Webster defines autumn as the season between summer and winter in the Northern Hemisphere and also states it as the later part of someone's life or existence. When you think of maturity or "later part of life" what comes to mind? Do you think of something negative or positive? From the positive perspective, the fall represents a maturity of, and preparation for, the closing of this calendar year. Leaves change color because the chlorophyll which has kept young leaves green begins to break down, bringing forth this array of color that is unmatched in any other season of the year. The maturity of the leaf exposes beautiful color which has been kept inside all year.
Fall is a time to reflect on what we have accomplished this year and also leaves us some time to have more accomplishments if we feel we have not been as successful as we had hoped. Fall represents a time to celebrate, color by color, accomplishment by accomplishment, what good fortune has been bestowed upon us this year. The maturity of the orange leaves of the fall could represent celebration of good health this year. The mature red leaves could represent success spiritually this year. The yellow leaves could represent financial independence achieved this year.
Here in Texas, we do not see too much of a fall leaf color change, but my memories of growing up in New Jersey are filled with celebrations around the leaves falling from the trees, the inspiring colors of fall and the anticipation of what comes next. I encourage you to seek fall foliage when you can, either online or in person if possible. Arkansas has some wonderful colors in October.
If we are approaching the "fall" in our lives, do we see the beautiful colors in ourselves that may have been hidden in prior seasons of our existence? Do we celebrate the yellow, orange and red that is who we are today? There is no going back to the past, but how about looking at today, our "fall", and loving who we are and celebrate the uniqueness of our own tree of colors. If we combine our individual colors with our family colors or neighborhood colors or city colors, imagine how beautiful this world would be?
