Emma Meese is a seasoned journalist, content creator, program maker, producer, director, and social media consultant for the BBC, boasting a career that spans over 30 years. In her column, Emma reflects on some of life’s toughest transitions and seeks to inspire readers to embrace and live their best lives fully.
I’m typing this in a beautiful writer’s cabin in mid-Wales, sat at an antique wooden desk looking out at the rolling Welsh hills for inspiration.
Autumn is my favourite season, as much as I love the sun there’s something comforting about the fashion season that’s designed to envelop us in comforting layers. The warm fabrics and colours in the shops, reflecting those of nature around us.
I take it as a welcome sign to slow down and press the reset button.
As a working single parent, I love the Summer, but am always frazzled at the end of it!
We are programmed to respond to the pings of emails and WhatsApps as soon as we hear them. While I love living in a connected world (my friends know I would choose Wi-Fi over a toilet facility anywhere we go!), the down side is we now expect instant gratification and results.
Coming on this solo-trip I was worried about being left alone with nothing but my thoughts for company. It turned out to be exactly what I needed.
They say with age comes wisdom, and I’ve learned the hard way that unless we occasionally slow down we will be forced to by burnout and fatigue.
If we keep adding to the load, it becomes too heavy to carry.
Looking out at the stunning view in front of me I can see the greenery turning shades of brown, red, yellow and copper as the leaves fall like nature’s confetti.
At first glance, it looks as though they are weakening as they let go of their leaves. But in reality they are growing stronger. Redirecting energy from their branches down into their roots, storing strength for the winter, and preparing for the fresh burst of life that will come in Spring.
I wrongly thought that growth came from keeping going, doing more and achieving more.
I’ve often referred to myself as being solar-powered, I’m less energetic and less keen to start new projects until Spring rolls around again.
Maybe I’m just more in tune with the world around me than I realised.
In many ways, trees are at their strongest in Autumn, because they’re consolidating their strength, focusing on what really matters beneath the surface to have all they need to thrive in the future.
There’s something powerful in that lesson. Shedding what no longer serves us, focussing instead what will carry us forward.
As a journalist for almost thirty years, I’ve always had a keen interest in the news and current affairs. A recent headline that struck a chord with me said that fellow journalist, and the face of breakfast TV, Fiona Phillips was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Regardless of her experience, influence or family wealth at age 60 she was handed a sentence that is robbing her of her life while she is still alive.
It was a stark reminder that tomorrow is never promised. None of us know what lies ahead.
If the last few years have taught me anything, it’s that life can change in an instant. But it has also taught me that resilience, joy, and even adventure can be found in unexpected places.
Autumn, with its richness and beauty, is a reminder to let go of what no longer serves us and to embrace what lies ahead.
So, this season, wrap up in your favourite coat, say yes to that new experience, and chase the moments that make your heart beat faster.
Catch up with all of Emma’s adventures and updates:
https://www.instagram.com/livemylifeincolour/
