Now it’s no secret that autumn—or fall for our American friends—is my favourite season. (I’ve only posted two blogs so far, and both have been about autumn) I’ve also noticed that I tend to surround myself with fellow autumn lovers. There’s just something about the warm orange glow that settles over everything, making me feel so cosy.

I’ve always been a sucker for a new start, and autumn signifies that for me in so many ways. Whether it was starting a new school year or celebrating another turn around the world for my birthday, there’s always been something about the promise of change that the autumn breeze blows in. I don’t think I’m ever happier than when I spot the first leaves dropping onto the pavement. It’s as if they blow away who I was in the summer, making space for the exciting changes the new season promises.

This time of year is perfect for reliving childhood memories, like walking into school in your brand-new jumper, way too big before your mum shrunk it in the dryer. Or the feeling of stepping onto your university campus, knowing those nights out with friends would be filled with excitement and a little frostbite because who takes a jacket on a night out? It’s the nostalgia that makes autumn even more memorable.

For me, autumn always arrives like a blank canvas, offering the chance to start fresh and live as vividly as I want. But it doesn’t erase the past—it’s more like adding new layers to the ever-growing story. Even with the promise of a fresh page, life can still feel a little unbalanced as the season changes. With the pen ready to write a new chapter, there are times when the words don’t come out quite right. That’s when I remind myself to lean into the change of season and romanticise the crisp air around me.

Here are a few of my favourite ways to make the most of autumn and brighten even the cloudiest days:

Autumnal Walk

Pretty basic, right? But there’s nothing better for clearing your mind than stepping outside and filling your lungs with crisp air. On those days when the questions about life weigh a bit heavier (and trust me, there are many), I make it a point to step away for just sixty seconds. I focus on the gentle breeze brushing through the trees, watching the leaves wave to each other as they float to the ground. Nature has a way of reminding me that life is fleeting, and I might as well make the most of it. If that means fully embracing my “cringe” and romanticising autumn days, then so be it.

Old-School Movies – You Know the Ones

I’m a sucker for nostalgia, especially when it comes to movies. I can’t even walk past my old school without thinking of 12-year-old me, terrified of how big it seemed back then (it looks so small now!). Old-school movies have this special feeling that today’s films just don’t seem to get right. You know the ones—they’re filled with flannels, pumpkins, and an orange glow in the lighting. You can almost smell the baked goods through the screen! Autumn is when all my favourite movies come out, and there’s no better time to get cosy on the sofa with a nostalgic 90s classic. I recently watched The Deep End of the Ocean— a perfect Sunday afternoon movie. Does anyone else get a bit jealous of how the seasons change so vividly in New England? After a long day at the office or a draining seminar, curling up with one of these movies is my go-to for getting in the autumnal mood.

Autumnal Homeware Shopping

One of my favourite solo dates is wandering through homeware stores. Marks and Spencer, B&M, Next, Home Bargains, Primark—name a place where I can sniff a hundred different candles, and I’ll be there. (Seriously, if I’ve missed a spot, let me know!). There’s nothing I love more than imagining how my future home will look, even though the current job market has me living with my parents for the foreseeable future. Dreaming up cosy decor and picturing autumn-themed interiors brings me so much joy on gloomy days. It’s one of my absolute favourite autumn activities.

These are just a few of the ways I bring a bit of autumn’s glow into my life. I’ll definitely share more as the season goes on.

So, how do you romanticise your life as the days get shorter and darker? Whether it’s curling up with a movie or taking a walk through the fallen leaves, I’d love to hear your favourite autumn rituals in the comments.