To some people it is still a time of the year for being productive, which is true. I also see it as the nights are drawing in, the weather begins to change and so we spend more time indoors. The productive side for me comes from getting everything ready to be warm and cosy over Winter.

You could say for me the year is split into Autumn being a time to reflect on the year so far and to get ready for a warm and cosy rest of the year. Winter is a time for slowing down and enjoying more rest time. Spring is a time for planning for the year and preparing for the busy times ahead. It is also the time to put away the cosy warmth of Winter ready for the warm, bright days ahead.

Being autistic I can easily get swamped and overwhelmed by the smallest of things which makes organisation, planning, and routines very beneficial. Routines are not something I am a fan of and would preferably live without them, but I find it better to have these things in place and to deviate from them rather than not have them at all.

Autumn is a great time to reflect as Winter is a hard season to get through with the long dark cold days. We can help ourselves by getting a head start on reflecting on the hardships of the year in Autumn so we can put them away for the Winter and deal with them in the Spring.

Nicola Martin

Photo by Autumn Mott Rodeheaver on Unsplash