Happy Autumnal Equinox!
Or rather, first day of Autumn.
Today marks the first day of the fall season, and people are already prepared.
When September 1st rolled around, not only did Starbucks begin
selling their infamous Pumpkin Spice Lattes again, but there was an
overwhelming supply for it. This confused me. It’s 80 degrees out but everybody
is tweeting about and posting photos of their pumpkin spice lattes-or PSLs! I’ve been racking my brain for the past three weeks to figure out why there is a
sudden obsession with this drink and premature love for the new season. I think
I figured it out…
 |
| Source: psl.starbucks.com |
Although three out of four weeks of September are still
sitting in summer, people equate September with the start of school and
back-to-school shopping (filled with cardigans, new jeans, boots) staples of
the fall season. Although Halloween is almost two months away, it still feels
right around the corner. After Labor Day, pools close, wearing white is taboo,
and fall begins. However, as I am sitting here writing this, I glance out to my
backyard, still green with the leaves of summer. Has everyone forgot that it is
still summer? After giving it some thought, I have come to three conclusions as
to why people have jumped into fall.
1. Fall-themed products, flavors, and ideas are already out
on the market.
I am not immune to this. Although I complain about people loving
their first cup of PSL of the season, I picked up a bag of Godiva pumpkin spice
flavored ground coffee the first week of September. I don’t regret it: with
every sip I feel warmth and familiarity and am reminded of crispy, colorful
leaves and pumpkin patches. My new issue of Cooking Light came, and my head is
full of exciting fall desserts I MUST try. When I go to the grocery store,
there are already aisles of candy for Halloween. Why do businesses do this?
Well, extra revenue, of course, among other things…
2. Social media’s rising role in our everyday lives has
increased the irritating effect of excess sharing.
Last year, I don’t remember an obsession with Pumpkin Spice
Lattes. This year, it’s all I see on Twitter and Instagram. You got your first
cup of the season? Go ahead and take a photo of it and share it with your
friends so they can see what you’re doing and how awesome it is. I even shared
a photo of my coffee (see above) a week ago. Unnecessary sharing can be
irritating, but in our modern world it has become a norm.
3. A new season means a new beginning and a fresh start.
Do you ever feel excited when the first of the month rolls
around? As if the bad memories and hard times of the previous month can be
wiped out because you’re beginning a fresh month. Kind of like the New Year.
Well a new season seems similar. Fall seems like an apt time to start anew, and
it is likely that people feel excitement upon this new start. It’s like a new
beginning. And surely, that is something for which to be joyful. :)
Another Type of Beginning
And speaking of new beginnings and joy, I’m so pleased to
say I’ve made progress with my exercise regimen! In the beginning of September,
I got my body fat percentage checked and it has gone down 1.1%. To be honest, I
wasn’t expecting a decline. Although I worked hard for those five weeks, I
still didn’t believe I could bring it down. But it was an amazing feeling because my hard work paid off and it was evident. I learned a few things
through this process that I will share with you:
1. You have to get out of your comfort zone for
results.
I am not a runner, but I got out of my
comfort zone and would run my farthest and further if I was physically capable.
Work harder than you think you can.
2. Do something you enjoy.
I recently discovered spinning, and I LOVE
IT! It is so much fun and a great way for me to enjoy my work out.
3. Surround yourself with positive and supportive
people.
This has helped me so much. I appreciate all
the support Jeremy has given me and it has motivated me to work harder. (Shout
out! :) )
So here is to new beginnings, whether it be 1.1% worth of
body fat less or to a new season. I have a feeling this new season will be a
good one. :)
 |
| After my longest run to date. Very happy! |
No comments:
Post a Comment