Autumn. It arrives with a whisper of crisp air, the scent of woodsmoke, and a dazzling display of color that makes you want to pull on a cozy sweater and sip something warm. For years, my autumn bucket list was a relentless pursuit of perfection: pumpkin patches, apple orchards, elaborate fall baking, perfectly curated decor. And while those things are lovely, they often left me feeling more stressed than seasonal.
This year, I'm taking a different approach. This is my honest autumn bucket list – a collection of things I genuinely want to lean into, and just as importantly, things I'm officially giving myself permission to let go of. Because sometimes, the most joyful thing you can do is simply stop trying so hard.
DOS for Autumn
Embrace the Coziness
Forget the pressure to be out and about every single weekend. This autumn, I'm dedicating time to the art of hygge. Think plush blankets, flickering candles, and a good book.
Mindful Walks in Nature
The colors of autumn are fleeting, and I want to truly appreciate them without rushing.
Simple Seasonal Cooking
I love fall flavors, but I don't need to be a Michelin-star chef about it.
Being Intentional with Time
You can't enjoy the season without the people you love! Simply choosing to be present with the family can make for some of the best memories of the season.
Taking It One Day at a Time
Plans are great, but make you feel lousy when they aren't realized. Taking Autumn one day at a time, allows you to practice the art of spontaneity. And if something doesn't pan out, there's always something to look forward to next year!
DONT'S for Autumn
The Pressure for Perfect Decor
Pinterest-worthy fall displays are beautiful, but they're also a lot of work and often expensive.
Obligatory Pumpkin Patch Visits
I used to feel like a "bad" autumn lover if I didn't go to the pumpkin patch or the apple orchard. Not anymore.
Elaborate Fall Baking Projects
While the idea of baking a complicated pumpkin pie from scratch sounds idyllic, the reality is often messy kitchens and forgotten ingredients.
Chasing the "Perfect" Fall Photo
Social media can create an illusion that every autumn moment needs to be perfectly captured and shared.
This year, my autumn isn't about checking off a list of external expectations. It's about finding genuine comfort, appreciating simple beauty, and giving myself permission to just be. What's on your honest autumn bucket list? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!
