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As the leaves begin to turn and fall, many of us feel a shift—not just the changes in the weather, but in our inner world as well. Autumn is a season of transition, a time when nature lets go, preparing for winter’s stillness. It’s also a time that invites reflection and introspection. So, what better season to address our RUGS—regrets, unfinished business, guilt, and shame?
1. Regrets: Time to Reflect, Not Dwell
Autumn has a reflective energy. There’s something about shorter days and crisp air that makes us slow down and think about where we’ve been. As the leaves fall, we can think of our regrets—those lingering “what-ifs”—and work toward releasing them.
Instead of dwelling on missed opportunities, use this season to reflect on how you may have grown from them. Is there something you regret not doing this year? Perhaps this is an opportunity to take action before the year ends. Fall gives us that gentle reminder: while some things have passed, others can still be planted. Is there a seed you can sow now for a future opportunity?
2. Unfinished Business: Clearing Out Emotional Clutter
Autumn is often a time for decluttering—closets, homes, gardens, and even bags can be cleaned before winter settles in. It’s a perfect metaphor for tackling unfinished business. Think of your unresolved situations as emotional clutter that takes up space in your mind and heart.
As you’re cleaning out your physical spaces this season, take some time to clear out emotional clutter too. Write down any lingering issues or uncompleted tasks. Whether it’s a conversation you’ve been avoiding, an apology you choose to offer, or a goal you’ve set aside, now is a great time to close those loops. Much like how we may prepare our homes for the quiet winter months, we can prepare our minds for a fresh start. What’s one piece of unfinished business you could resolve this autumn?
3. Guilt: Forgive—Both Yourself and Others
Autumn’s golden light and crisp air invite a sense of renewal. Just as the earth is preparing to rest and renew, we can also use this time to forgive ourselves for past mistakes and let go of the guilt that may be weighing us down.
Guilt often sticks around longer than it needs to, especially when we don’t allow ourselves the grace to move on. Just as trees let go of their leaves, we can practice letting go of guilt that no longer serves us. Maybe this season, you can practice self-compassion, try on forgiveness, and focus on growth. Is there something you’ve been holding on to that you can release?
4. Shame: Finding Strength in Vulnerability
Autumn is a vulnerable season. Trees become bare, the landscape changes and the earth exposes its raw beauty. There’s something deeply symbolic about the way nature sheds its protective layers in autumn—and it can serve as powerful guidance for us in addressing shame.
Shame often makes us feel like we need to hide. But what if, like the trees, we allowed ourselves to be a little more vulnerable? According to Brené Brown, “If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive.” Autumn shows us that there’s beauty in letting go of what no longer serves us and in embracing our authentic selves. Maybe this season, you can share a piece of your story with someone you trust, acknowledging that shame doesn’t define you. Just as autumn’s bare trees are still strong, you, too, can find strength in shedding your shame.
As you embrace the cooler air and changing leaves, remember that this is a time for letting go and making space for new growth. Nature shows us that shedding is a natural and necessary part of life. What will you let go of this autumn? What will you make room for?
Let’s continue this conversation. How do you plan to use the wisdom of autumn to address your RUGS?