Inspirations for Better Living October 2025 | Autumn, a Teacher of Balance and Renewal

Autumn is a great teacher of balance. Midwest and the smell of the crisp autumn air. It does not resist change but moves gracefully in Georgia, October is usually one of our most perfect weather months — a perfect time for enjoying the outdoors with sunny days and perfect temperatures.

Life, seasonal transitions often stir up unwanted mixed emotions. Being a lover of summer and my personal season for my best relaxation, I constantly remind myself of this out of necessity because of my dread of winter. It needs to be a time when we concentrate on our self-care. As my demands of life will once again shift, focusing on my work once more, making time for self-care becomes critical. As the last days of summer finally fade away, my mindfulness is also the season when I regain my appetite and start craving some of my favorite seasonal foods, such as apples, pumpkin pie, turkey and dressing, sweet potatoes, cranberries, etc. In the summer, I usually eat lots of salads and lighter calorie foods. My husband, Masood, and I love to cook together, so focusing on the textures, smells, and flavors of fall ingredients and then dining on our delicious, perfectly prepared meals will bring us great pleasure. This will also enable us to feel more grounded and present as we nourish our bodies with healthy foods.

Autumn should not be a time just about preparing for winter. Creating those cozy spaces in our house will begin this comforting ritual involves getting out our quilted bed comforter, previously stored during the hot weather, and the soft, cuddly blankets we wrap ourselves in to use while watching our favorite movies during those moments of nature's beauty, family time with my husband, and making new memories with all the trimmings. Doing these things will cultivate my peace of mind and my deeper sense of self-care. I will truly enjoy.

Often, when I am creating this monthly article, I am always writing about something inspiring to write a poem. Enjoy. As a writer, for the readers, may you find peace in your magazine such as this one, my autobiography, routines, comfort in your daily rituals or practices, which is still a work in progress, a new short story, and calmness in knowing that your balance or poem, a chapter for an anthology, or editing is always within your reach. Enter the autumn a piece of writing for another author, but I have season with intention, clarity, and an open heart decided to start a gratitude journey. I plan to as I intend to do. 5 to 10 minutes each day and write down at least one thing I am grateful for on that particular day. I used to do this, but my busy life sadly interrupted this practice. I do thank God for my blessings each day, but only verbally or in silent prayer. Soon, I will write these blessings down. Then I can read them to remind myself how truly blessed I am on those rare days I may have forgotten to or feel not my usual happy self. I will also update my Vision Board. I have achieved many goals since I created it in January, but I need to continue mindfulness on the ones I still have not achieved.

During autumn, my final intention is to remember the importance of letting go and slowing down, embracing the present and the changes my life will bring, and finding joy in the simple ways.

Autumn's Gentle Lesson

A Poem of Balance and Renewal

In golden light, the autumn calls—A gentle teacher, wise and kind—
With lessons woven as each leaf falls; in drifting thoughts the soul will find.
She whispers of the fleeting days when laughter danced in summer’s heat,
Now hush descends in amber haze, and busy hearts grow slow and sweet.

The branches bow and the shadows lean, inviting us to take our rest,
To pause and ponder what has been and shape anew what serves us best.
“Let go”, she says, “of what you’ve grown—of sunlit dreams too bright to keep.
For balance comes when we have sown the seeds of hope, then trust and leap.”

With crispness singing in the air, she teaches us to tend our core,
To wrap ourselves in gentle care, preparing for what lies in store.
We rekindle goals with steady hand; we refocus on the path ahead.
For as the colors paint the land, we find the clarity we’ve shed.

So listen well to autumn’s song: a season’s end, a fresh embrace—
It shows that change, though sometimes long, can offer peace and strength and grace.
The chilly winds and the starlit skies remind us all to gather near,
To warm our hearts, to grow much wiser, and to greet the oncoming winter clear.

By Amb. Dr. Randi D. Ward