Things I Like About Autumn

I’m making this list for a reason you might not expect—it’s not because I love autumn, but because it’s a difficult time of year for my health. And although autumn is not my favorite time of year, I thought it was important to take time to remember that there are reasons to celebrate this season.

First, why don’t I love fall?

Like many people with chronic illnesses, pain, or health conditions, I have a rough time in fall. (Some people actually get relief in the fall if their conditions are aggravated by the heat. I am a summer girl at heart.)

I didn’t blog early this month because the weather changed dramatically and I went into a bad fibromyalgia flare. I was also hit with exhaustion, awful stiffness, and a fever.

All those outdoor activities you see on fall bucket lists? I usually can’t do those. I’m only outside if it’s unseasonably warm. And things like hay rides are off the table—I would sneeze so badly! And everything is spice flavored and scented, and because of a severe allergy, I can’t enjoy them unless I want to end up in the hospital not breathing. Even strong spice scents can trigger an asthma attack. Wearing layers looks cute, but makes me uncomfortable because of my fibromyalgia. Oh fall, must we be so diametrically opposed? What did I ever do to you?

But if I really spend some time thinking about it, there are beautiful things about fall, and things that I can enjoy. Here are some of the things that make autumn more enjoyable for me.

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Pumpkins—They’re so round and adorable. The bright colors make me happy. I love picking them out at pumpkin patches; it feels more like adopting them than buying them. Who wouldn’t want a pumpkin as a pet?

The smell after it rains—I love that fresh, earthy scent unique to autumn.

Chrysanthemums—I love how these cheery flowers pop out as the other flowers are winding down. They’re such a happy, exuberant flower.

Pumpkin cupcakes—’nuff said.

Fog—It’s so mysterious and pretty. I like admiring it from the warm indoors.

Halloween—It’s tied for my favorite holiday with Christmas. I love any excuse to dress up, and Halloween is the excuse to dress up. I start dreaming up my costume in the summer, and it helps me anticipate the arrival of October. Having something like that to look forward to is important for me.

Spooky-ish books—I can’t read ghost stories; they scare me too badly and my imagination has a field day. Maybe that’s one reason I love the heroine of Northanger Abbey, Catherine Morland, because she lets her wild imagination get the best of her. If you haven’t read this book by Jane Austen, which I’ve heard described as a “gentle gothic,” I recommend it. I’m also a fan of Dracula, and have been meaning to read Frankenstein for some time. Maybe I’ll start it after I finish this blog post…

Spooky-ish movies—Here are some of my favorites (that aren’t too scary). The Nightmare Before Christmas—the animation is incredible and the music is amazing. Everyone either loves it our hates it, but I’m a huge fan of The Village. Again, beautiful music, great atmosphere, and one of the sweetest love stories. Arsenic and Old Lace is one of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen, featuring a brilliantly hilarious Cary Grant. The humor does run a bit morbid, and there are some pretty creepy moments, but you’ll be laughing nonstop.

Thanksgiving—I love that we have a whole holiday dedicated to practicing thankfulness. Plus, I could eat turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy every day and be quite content.

Craft days—The colder days lure people inside, making it the perfect time of year to pull out craft and scrapbook supplies.

Craft fairs—Everyone starts thinking of Christmas gifts and making handmade items. I love getting ideas at craft fairs and sales—they’re like real life Pinterest boards.

Hot cocoa—I buy this all-natural hot cocoa with no dairy listed in the ingredients, and it’s the best thing since…regular cocoa! I put soy milk in mine and it’s so creamy! Plus the bottle it comes in is super cute for craft projects.

Unseasonably warm afternoons—I love the surprise of feeling like summer has visited again for a short time.

Pretty leaves—especially vine maples’ vibrant colors. I like to go out and snap photos of the variety of colors.

Japanese lanterns—They are such a beautifully intricate and colorful plant.

Crunchy alder leaves—They make the best sound when stepped on.

Warm clothes—I don’t love layering them, but the cold weather sure makes me thankful that I own enough clothes to bundle up when I have to.

Crows—I love crows yearround because they’re just so smart and interesting, but autumn seems especially like their time of year.

Anything involving caramel, or apples, or even better—both!—Delicious!

This has been a helpful exercise for me—there’s more I like about autumn than I thought. I think I’ll keep adding to this list to remind me of all the things autumn brings to look forward to.

How about you? What can you find about autumn to enjoy? Share in the comments!