… I felt inclined to write something for my semi-annual fall-esque post in honor of my fav szn.
I think there’s this inherent way people think through seasons in stereotypical silos: can’t wait for pumpkin spice, omg seasonal depression winter is near, etc. We quite literally silo seasons into themes, as if our favorite things about each specific season are somehow necessary to sacrifice with each other.
Well, I’m challenging this narrative this year.
By challenging myself (and you) to identify one thing that you love a lot – if not most – from each season. And then make that one thing a staple, not a seasonal something.
Here goes mine:
☀️Summer: friendships.
I see so many friends in the summer. And it seems like everyone’s down to clown most days. Things also somehow feel so lightweight for planning cuz it’s simply: patio tn? Beach tomorrow?
Sunshine saves lives, you could say. But my hot take is sunshine saves lives cuz friends surface and show up consistently, and subsequently fill what I am convinced is a basic human need right up there with food, air and water.
🍂Fall: style.
My fall fits are fckn fire and I am here to flaunt it.
Is that completely subjective and subconsciously due to all parts of my body finally being able to be covered in a way that’s socially and seasonally acceptable? Yes, absolutely.
That said, my style has been an important part of my queerness and confidence in my queerness. So generally, style-related stuffs get a general allocation in my splurge budget.
🌺Spring: flowers.
I’m not gonna lie, this one feels like I’m pulling some spring sunflower stereotype out of my ass, especially cuz I probs wouldn’t even be able to name a fav flower if you asked me to. (Tho I should probs at least say the camellia I literally have permanently stamped on me.)
But I’ve learned to actually appreciate flowers more than I have in the past. Genuinely.
Perhaps cuz Miley really manifested me buying myself more flowers. Or perhaps it was a birthday bouquet I got with the note: Mascs deserve flowers too (thanks Kween V).
But since I’ve slowed my daily strolls to the train, the beauty of flowers all around us is something I don’t think I fully appreciated as much as I should’ve in years past.
☃️Winter: traveling.
Leaving Chicago for once cuz I definitely deserve a vacation by the time winter rolls around. And surprise, I come back more rejuvenated than ever.
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So here’s the big kicker, y’all.
Seasons should not mean you have to sacrifice the things you love.
So let’s work backwards now:
Friendship. Style. Flowers. Traveling.
There are seasons you’re gonna be fcking cold traveling to see your friends. And it’s gonna suck. I’m sorry not sorry, but you’re gonna have to suck it up cuz friendship isn’t a seasonal sport you sign up for. And selfishly, maybe try showing a little extra TLC to your single friends.
Style: adapt the fits. Layers may be my preferred confidence, but that’s not to say other seasons don’t deserve the same budget. If not more, cuz I know I have a tougher time finding clothing that makes me feel comfiest in other seasons.
Flowers: look, even if I’m not ready to take care of them in my own home during a certain season, it’s never a wrong season to send out just-because flowers. And it could even be in snail-mail sunflower form if it feels right.
Traveling: I’ve been painfully frugal as if perusing flights year-round would really break the bank. It won’t. I have a hard time pulling away from work, but a once-a-season vacation, big or small, feels good for the soul. And worthwhile for the long haul.
Idk. I just think it’s silly that we somehow slapped so many themes, tastes and things into buckets as if they’re meant to be seasonal.
But what if stores didn’t stop carrying pumpkin spice? Or what if you stock up when it’s in season so you don’t have to lose your fav spice later?
Or what if seasonal depression can be alleviated, even just a little, if you place the same investment in friendships year-round?
So yeah, leaves are about to change. But maybe the things that are actually breathing life into you in other seasons don’t have to change with them. Now go flirt with that idea as if there’s no such thing as an off-season.
Happy fall, y’all.
🍃🧡🍂
