Anticipation of the change in seasons is typically met with the desire for cooler temperatures, cute fall fashion, and cozier days. We watch as autumn makes its debut with the hues of burnt orange, yellow, red, and brown, transforming our landscapes — all eventually falling, creating nature’s color palette. And then, after each leaf has fallen, everything appears to be dull; silent even. It seems like life itself has begun to die, dormancy evident all throughout nature. But, in fact, it has not.

Each year, I anticipate autumn not only for the same reasons many others do (because who doesn’t love how fall fashion slays), but also for the way it shifts my perspective, inviting me to understand the metaphor that carries me through the season. A metaphor I believe many people could benefit from adopting in their lives.

Near the end of the season, before winter begins, nature appears dormant to our line of sight. What we don’t see is the work that is happening beneath the surface. Everything retreats, just as we do, during the colder months. In each molecular cell of the plants and trees, amazing regenerative work is happening. The proof of this work is only visible once spring arrives in her amazing glory, full and vibrant once again.

There’s a metaphor in this.

There are seasons for growth and displaying all that you’ve learned. Seasons for healing and outwardly showcasing how impactful your healing journey has been for you. Seasons for focusing on self-given goals before reaping the fruit of your labor. And all of these seasons can seemingly coincide with the one source that gives us the perfect blueprint: nature.

I view fall as a season to retreat inward. Just as nature retreats to heal, rebuild, and flourish . . . so can we. The seemingly dormant seasons are the perfect times for honest introspection. These are moments where you can access your year, thus far, aspects of self that needs attention and to begin the process to quietly make adjustments. The world is quieter and the days are shorter. And although it may outwardly feel as though growth is not occurring, it is all happening out of eyes reach, pending a yield of the harvest in the upcoming spring.

As I take this time to take care of some personal goals that I am setting forth, I encourage everyone to welcome the perspective shift that comes with this season. Look at this season as more than just one of momentarily outward glory. Think about how this season gives us the blueprint to navigate our own lives. There are moments to shine and equal moments to retreat in order to shine once more.

If you do nothing more this season, give yourself permission to retreat to look to your personal goals and needs. Be honest in your review of self. Give yourself all of the things that you need. And then prepare to emerge in the spring a beautiful, vibrant, flourishing, and evolved version of yourself.

Look out of your window. Follow the blueprint. It has been here all along.