Hi there, beautiful souls,

As the days get shorter and the air turns cooler, there’s something about autumn that makes us slow down and reflect. It’s that time of year when nature gently reminds us to let go. The trees shed their leaves, making room for what’s next, and maybe we should do the same. As someone who loves sharing stories of strong women, I find that autumn teaches us lessons that are very much a part of our own journeys.

The Beauty of Letting Go

Take a moment to think about the falling leaves. Each one has its own story, just like us. Those leaves were once buds in the spring, grew strong in the summer, and now they’re falling away. They don’t cling to the branches, they let go. And in doing so, they make space for new life to grow in the spring.

We can learn from that. Sometimes, we hold onto things that no longer serve us—old beliefs, past hurts, or even relationships that drain us. Letting go doesn’t mean we’ve failed; it means we’re making room for something better. I’ve been there myself. For years, I held onto the belief that I needed to be everything for everyone—mom, wife, professional—until I realized it was burning me out. Letting go of that pressure was hard, but it opened up space for me to redefine what success looks like on my own terms.

What are you holding onto that you might need to release?

Embracing Who You’re Becoming

I recently read an article that spoke to the struggles many women, especially in their 50s, face when their roles start to change. Whether it’s kids growing up or career shifts, we often feel a bit lost, like leaves disconnected from the branches.

It’s a hard question: Who are we when life changes and we no longer fit into the roles we once had? But here’s the thing—autumn teaches us that change is part of life’s natural flow. We don’t need to have all the answers right away. We just need to give ourselves permission to grow into the new versions of ourselves. This season is about accepting who we are becoming and trusting that, like the leaves, we’re still beautiful even as we change.

The Promise of What’s Next

Autumn’s colors aren’t just a farewell; they’re a promise. When the leaves fall, they make space for something new to grow. It’s a reminder that in letting go, we’re not losing anything—we’re creating room for new opportunities and experiences.

This reminds me of women like Dame Sarah Storey, whose journey shows us that transformation is possible at every stage of life. She didn’t stop at one success—she kept going, adapting, and growing. And we can do the same. What new dreams or passions could you make room for this fall?

A Moment for Reflection and Gratitude

As you pull on a cozy sweater and sip your warm drink, take a minute to reflect. What have you been holding onto that might be time to let go of? How can you open yourself up to new possibilities?

Here’s something I’ve found helpful:

• Pick one thing to let go of: It could be a habit, an old belief, or even a physical object. Letting go doesn’t have to be huge—sometimes, small steps make the biggest difference.

• Embrace change: Remind yourself daily that change is natural and part of life. A simple affirmation could be: “I am open to growth and new possibilities.”

• Practice gratitude: As you let go, reflect on what you’re grateful for. Change can feel unsettling, but it’s also a chance to grow.

Remember, we’re all works in progress, and that’s a beautiful thing. Fall is the perfect time to slow down, reflect, and allow ourselves to evolve.

Thank you for taking this journey with me. I’d love to hear from you—what are you letting go of this fall? What are you making room for? Let’s share and support each other in the comments.

With warmth and gratitude,
S.A. Sterling

Source: 'A call to action to love ourselves’: how women in their 50s can leave the shadows (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/oct/22/a-call-to-action-to-love-ourselves-how-women-in-their-50s-can-leave-the-shadows) by Lucy Cavendish, The Guardian, Sun 22 Oct 2023