Everyone loves autumn and fall for various reasons. Whether that is due to the changing colours of the leaves, layering their outfits or the cozy activities that come with the season. It is a season that can easily pass you by, especially as the weather transitions. You start to wrap yourself up with blankets, candles and log fires playing in the background. A couple of years ago, I decided that I wanted to romanticise autumn. That meant infusing pockets of happiness and joy into the season each week. I have to say that I did a fantastic job of doing that. I discovered new activities to do around Switzerland, I met Ava DuVernay at the Geneva International Film Festival and I was able to go on more solo dates which exposed me to new things.
Autumn and Fall is the perfect opportunity to say yes to new activities, new recipes and a fresh start. I have always associated this season with the back-to-school mindset and the nostalgia of doing something new. What makes autumn quite different is that you get the best of both worlds. It is still warm to do some activities outside like you did in the summer. At the same time, it encourages you to discover indoor activities that you may not have considered in the past.
“Autumn, noun: symbolises change, transition, harvest, maturity, abundance and renewal.”
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What Does It Mean To Romanticise Autumn?
When I think about romanticising a season, I think about being present and infusing magic into my days. To romanticise autumn is an extension of that. I like to find warmth and comfort during this transition season. I’m very intentional about my seasonal outings, travels and the type of events that I see myself doing annually. It could be something small like a walk in nature to apple-picking or going to pumpkin festival. Moreover, autumn brings seasonal fruits and vegetables. I find that I am more creative with cooking and baking around this time of the year. I try new recipes with root vegetables, bake with apples, bananas and zucchinis and the sort.
Furthermore, I like to bring autumn into my home. Whether that is through an autumn refresh, autumn-scented candles, cozy textures, listening to jazz music and film scores and watching autumn associated TV shows like Charmed, Virgin River, The Originals or Sweet Magnolias.
There are some activities that I have in my solo dates jar that I haven’t picked out yet. If romanticising a season is something that you want to try, start adding activities into a jar and create a list now. When autumn comes along next year, you can start adding dates to your calendar, buying the tickets (if applicable) early and scheduling your baking afternoons in advance. The idea to romanticise autumn or any season is to look back and know that you lived life intentionally. As adults, it’s very easy for us to think that the year has gone by really fast and realise that we didn’t do as much as we wanted to do. I believe that it’s because we don’t have events or activities scheduled into our weeks like we did as children.
How To Start Dating Yourself
The first thing about dating yourself is accepting and understanding that you don’t need a romantic partner with you to have great time. You don’t need to have a romantic partner to go on a holiday, try out a new restaurant, explore your town or city, or go out to the cinema. There are activities that you can do on your own without taking someone else’s interests and preferences into account.
The second thing about dating yourself is looking at it as an investment. That investment can look like creating a journaling practice and nourishing your body with the right foods. Taking care of your physical health, splurging on yourself or doing something completely new.
The third thing about dating yourself is to view it as a muscle. It’s hard at first because it is something new and something that you haven’t done before. When you try it for the first time, it may feel awkward. The more you do it, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become. If going outside to do your first one scares you, then build that muscle up by doing some solo dates at home. Once you have built up that muscle, add another rep by doing one outside.
Don’t forget that a good book and a playlist are great companions to ease yourself into solo dates outside.
Why Romanticising Autumn is the Perfect Time To Start?
Autumn is the best time to start because we change the clocks back and it starts to get darker earlier. I find that creating seasonal bucket list to romanticise the transition encourages you to intentionally figure out what activities to do to enjoy the upcoming season. Some activities can be done at home while other activities can be done outside by yourself and with friends. In addition, autumn is the start of festivities for the second half of the year. There are so many key holidays such as Oktoberfest, Halloween (if you celebrate), Day of the Dead, Diwali, Bonfire Night, Thanksgiving and Christmas. In short, these key holidays bring a plethora of activities and inspiration that can be planned, then actioned.
One of the most beautiful things about romanticising autumn or any season is the anticipation that something fun and adventurous is coming up. Planning a trip, an activity or an evening out with friends adds to the happiness of the event happening. It brings joy. It brings reward and ultimately, meaningful memories. In sum, happiness is not only from the big moments, milestones and trips. It can also live in the little moments, the little adventures and the immersive experiences.
30 Creative Solo Date Ideas For Autumn
Romanticise Autumn in September
- Visit an apple orchard or go apple picking
- Take a scenic autumn walk or hike
- Have a solo picnic in the park or the vineyards
- Bake some apple cider muffins or cookies
- Explore a new town, an antique market or a local autumn event
- Go to a museum, then spend the rest of the afternoon at a bookstore.
- Go on an evening sunset walk
- Reorganise your wardrobe
- Take a pottery class
- Do a food themed movie night
October Solo Date Ideas
- Visit a pumpkin patch or go to a pumpkin festival
- Go to a chestnut festival
- Visit a farmer’s market
- Carve a pumpkin
- Do an autumn refresh in your home with pumpkins, pine cones and cozy textures
- Take a candle making class
- Go on a solo trip to Scotland
- Visit an art gallery
- Host a games night
- Learn a new craft
Romanticise Autumn in November
- Go to a sip and paint evening
- Light an autumn candle in the mornings
- Switch to a seasonal breakfast with cinnamon, apples, and vanilla
- Go to a local sports event
- Book a table for one at a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try
- Take a perfume making class
- Do a jigsaw puzzle evening
- Cook a cozy three course meal
- Experiment with seasonal mocktails
- Take cooking class
I know that we are in the last month of Autumn but there is still enough time to romanticise this season. I hope that this post has inspired you to try something new and intentionally live out this season with activities and solo dates. Make sure to hit that subscribe button to join the community and never miss out on a post. Find me on Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok for more powerlifting and wellness content.
Until next time,
Folakemi
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