This time of year, it’s easy to think about what we’re losing: long days of sunlight, sleeping with the windows open, fresh berries and lettuce growing just outside.

Fall is a time of change and growth. I’ve been feeling like it’s time for me to do some of both. But it can feel like losing something instead of an opportunity to gain something else. I’m trying to focus more on the latter.
For example, I’ve been feeling that my fitness routine is no longer working for me. Rather than come up with my own workout at the gym, I’ve been skipping entirely. So last weekend, I decided to embrace something else. I bought some studio classes where a trainer tells me what to do and for how long. Now I’m getting workouts in again.
Another big change is the end of my grad school program. I had a call with my advisor today to determine my big, scary final capstone project. Before the call, I was somewhat mourning finishing the program. When I started, I was afraid of the time commitment and pressure of going to school. Something strange happened in the last two years, though. It became something I love. I find my school readings and projects so interesting. I want to do them (well, most of them). And I want my final project to be something I’m equally excited about.
Sure, some things will be left behind, but that’s OK. It leaves room for the new.