Autumn is a time of change, as nature constantly adapts and the seasons pass through transformation.
As humans we often feeling like we’re spinning too many plates and are uncertain what to change for the better.
So let me ask you this, what can you let go of to allow ease in times of change?
Letting go gives you space for the things you really want. It allows the doors to open to new opportunities. Releasing something we’ve held onto might not be easy, or feel natural – especially beliefs that no longer serve us. But holding on tightly to beliefs, belongings and feelings might not be in our best interests any more.
I’m making a conscious decision to pause and reflect on certain behaviours and actions this autumn, here’s what I’m letting go of:
1 Early starts
I’m embracing semi-hibernation and cosy unrushed mornings. I’ve given myself permission to sleep in when my body needs rest.
Having tuned into my body in the last few years I’ve noticed a pattern. In spring and summer I need less sleep and wake naturally, generally at dawn. I’m energised at sunrise and want to be out walking early before the world wakes. In autumn, and definitely in winter, I feel a pull into hibernation mode. I sleep in more and while still early by many peoples standards, I’m not waking until the alarm which means I’m not rising until 6.30am or 7am. The extra time in bed feels luxurious.
This year I’ve decided to let go of sticking to my usual routine. I’m not fighting my ‘get up at 6am’ norm. I read Matthew Walkers book, Why We Sleep, and that helped me understand the important of getting enough sleep. It also dawned on me that in summer I tend to nap in the day time, but over autumn and winter I don’t. So having longer in bed in the mornings is making up for that sleep time. It’s quite alarming what damage we can do to our bodies through lack of sleep.
“After thirty years of intensive research, we can now answer many of the questions posed earlier. The recycle rate of a human being is around sixteen hours.
After sixteen hours of being awake, the brain begins to fail. Humans need more than seven hours of sleep each night to maintain cognitive performance.
After ten days of just seven hours of sleep, the brain is as dysfunctional as it would be after going without sleep for twenty-four hours. Three full nights of recovery sleep (i.e., more nights than a weekend) are insufficient to restore performance back to normal levels after a week of short sleeping.
Finally, the human mind cannot accurately sense how sleep-deprived it is when sleep-deprived.”
Matthew Walker, Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
2 Clutter
I’m more focused outdoors over the summer, walking and enjoying expansive views from hilltops and across valleys. As the daylight length shortens I get the urge to be indoors more, get cosy by the fire and make space in the house. The clutter I’ve let build up in cupboards and drawers gets sorted, recycled, or donated.
We can mentally declutter too. Letting go of relationships that no longer serve us. Tied in with this is letting go of people pleasing. Saying no to others (in a loving kind way) means I’m saying yes to events or people I genuinely want in my life. This feels especially pertinent as we head towards the festive season when the number of invites and demands increase. Having clear boundaries in place around what you do and don’t want in your life can keep overwhelm in check. Read my article on Boundaries for more on this.
Whether physical or mental clutter is cleared away, space is created and energy freed up for the things we desire.
“…when we really delve into the reasons for why we can’t let something go, there are only two: an attachment to the past or a fear for the future.” ― Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
What needs decluttering in your life?
3 Busy Badge Awards
I wish I had a pound for every time someone asks me ‘Are you busy?’. As many do, I feel the societal pressure to reply ‘yes…really busy’ as if being busy is a mark of being successful. So I’m gently letting go of saying what others expect in reply to this question.
What’s your response when asked “Are you busy?”? Is it a genuine response, or one that’s simply pleasing the other persons expectations? I do realise there are occasions when it’s easier/quicker/more polite to say the expected thing. But what we can do is be mindful of the automatic responses – that they aren’t our only response with everyone.
Being brought up to believe that busy equates to being successful has made this a tough belief to let go of. It’s a work in progress. Having a ‘Busy Badge’ isn’t an honour I subscribe to any more. I’m being true to my values and how I believe life can be.
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” Brene Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
I’ll leave you with a few questions to reflect on:
- Whats the one thing you’ll let go of moving forwards?
- How will it feel once it’s out of your life?
- What do you gain by letting go?
Life coaching conversations can help you adopt better habits and thought patterns. You have the space and time to explore what keeps you stuck, unfulfilled and not living aligned to your values. If this sounds like something you’d like to look into take a look at the Services I offer or get in touch to arrange an initial free and informal chat.
