15 Ways To Slow Down And Enjoy Fall

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Experiencing a new culture is eye opening. These new experiences can bring awareness, gratitude, thoughtfulness and even, possibly, change as you experience how people live in another part of the world… In a similar way, but perhaps on an even bigger scale, moving into a new culture for an extended period of time can be entirely life transformative. Currently, Charlie and I have been analyzing and constructing and dreaming of the ways in which we have lived, are living and hope to live in the future. Our time here in Munich, paired with the winding path of our story these past few years, has given us a different perspective for the life we hope to cultivate now and take back with us when we return to the States. A life that goes beyond the “busy, busy, busy” mantra of our current day and age (which I am all too guilty of!), and instead leans more into valuing who we are becoming in the quiet moments…in the slow… While this post might be a bit different than the travel ideas, design inspirations or hospitality tips I normally write about (although it will combine all three of these elements!), it does reflect something recently close to my heart in relation to how I am continuing to understand the joy of purposeful living in the everyday.  So, if you are looking for a way to settle in and experience the sweet moments of the here and now with a few practical ideas to embrace this season, here are 15 ways to slow down and enjoy fall. 

A Desire For Margin

A little backstory…

While there are so many wonderful things to experience traveling, sometimes it takes stepping into a place a little longer for you to see how similar (or different!) it really is. Upon my first visit to Germany, I was captivated by the beautiful architecture, delicious food and vibrant cultural scene. And while that all still excites me tremendously, I have come to have a better understanding of its rhythms of life which are largely characterized by margin. 

This little word, margin, seems so easy to imagine, yet, for Charlie and I, it has been so hard to accomplish. Until college, I can’t say that I struggled with margin, however somehow in the process of four years, my life sped up to almost a frenetic pace. Yes, it was filled with mostly all GOOD things, but in the process of accomplishing so much good, I became, even subconsciously, wired with the need to be productive. Productive in relationships. Productive in projects. Productive in work. Productive at home. While being productive can be a fabulous blessing, it simultaneously lets margin out the back door. It honestly wasn’t until Charlie went through chemotherapy (when prioritizing margin was a MUST) and then us moving abroad a few months after (where margin became more ingrained into daily life) that I began to come off my “high” of being busy, productive and accomplishing as much as possible. 

Going forward… 

Now, after six months in Munich, I can say that we are working on a life re-haul and rethinking the way to step back into life in the States without certain societal safeguards. While we have loved it, living in Germany is certainly not the end all be all, and cultures all over the globe experience the constant propulsion of the busy 21st century culture in which we live. So, regardless of whether you experience this desire for margin after a health crisis, move, period of reflection, book, work burnout or all of the above, I believe the desire to slow down is more than just a “selfish” step back as sometimes our culture would make it out to be. In his book, The Ruthless Elimination Of Hurry, John Mark Comer points out that while culture pushes to “do more, be more and accomplish more” in every arena of life, pursuing slowness allows us to value who we are becoming more than just what we do. By taking the time to acknowledge and rejoice in the rhythms of the seasons, the rhythms of the day, the small whispers of an ever present God, we awaken our souls to know Him more and fully experience the life so graciously given to us. If I am overly busy, tired and pulled in a rush, likely I am not going to be the loving and thoughtful spouse or attentive and kind friend that I want to be. If I am wrapped up in my productivity, I likely can’t spend time pouring into those that mean the most. Likewise, it isn’t so much that we aren’t involved in activities or commitments, as those can be good and even necessary things, but more that we eliminate the clutter from our schedules, minds and lives that steals our attention, our joy and our purpose for a fruitful life that honors our Savior.

So, while I certainly don’t have it all figured out and am still on this journey of embracing a life of margin that seeks to find the joy that the Lord is inviting me to take an active part in, I wanted to put together a list of tangible ways to slow down and enjoy this fall season. Without further ado, here are 15 awesome ways for you and your family to embrace a new season together. 

Slow Down On Sundays

While it has taken some getting used to, one of the biggest blessings of daily life in Germany is that almost nothing is open on Sundays. Even within our apartment, certain courtesy rules don’t allow us to do many noisy activities (like cleaning, doing laundry etc.), so Sunday truly is a day of rest. It does take a bit of planning ahead of time (particularly when it comes to meals), but having a day with only church on the agenda is a fabulous reset. Spend your day outside, with family, friends, or engaging in one of the other items on this list, but try abstaining from work, shopping, running errands and even cleaning to give yourself (and your family) time to breathe, dream and reset. 

Get Outside In Nature

Another key way to take in the fall season and embrace a life of margin is to get outside! Go for a walk, take a hike, stroll through a park or even sit in the sun to simply listen to the birds, play with your animals or enjoy time with your kids. A little fresh air can help to clear the mind and provide restorative energy.

Enjoy A Hot Drink

Do you ever linger over a hot drink taking in the scent of the steam and warmth in your hands? Take a moment to make a favorite special drink for you and a friend to simply savor the experience of a cup of goodness and a time of fellowship. 

Have A Bonfire 

There is something about wrapping in blankets around a bonfire on a chilly night that is just special in fall. Whether you can have a full firepit or a tabletop flame, chatting around a bonfire can help you enjoy a starry night while getting to know those around you in a deeper way. 

Manage Screen Time

Much of the constant business stems from the screens that surround our day to day. We get alerts, ads, notifications and media updates constantly which vie for our time, attention and money. While not all screens are bad, and even necessary at times, they frequently become tools that consume our time and encourage discouragement, comparison and consumerism. To combat this, perhaps set some limits on your screen time! Set yourself a goal of only a certainly number of hours of TV a week, or set up limits within your phone or Instagram / Facebook app to notify you when you have reached them. Setting these limits can allow you to more fully disengage with your devices and engage in the life in front of you.

Carve Pumpkins

Who says pumpkin carving is just for kids? Break out your sharpies and kitchen knives and enjoy an evening carving jack o lanterns or even create pumpkin arrangements like the ones above!

Open Your Windows

Like being out in nature, opening your windows can provide some much needed fresh air and can allow you to embrace the changing fall weather. Now that we live without AC, our windows are open just about 24/7 and I have been surprised at how much I have loved hearing the birds, planes, bikers and subtle sounds of the city carried in on the breeze. With the weather getting cooler, it has allowed me to enjoy even more hot drinks (as mentioned above) which provides all the simple, daily, cozy fall feels. 

Read A Book

Whether in a park, on the couch or before you turn in for the night, make time to read a book! So much knowledge, imagination and relaxation can be gained by immersing yourself in another world or further exploring a topic of our own through the pages of a book. If you’re not a big reader, listen to an audiobook on your morning commute, while you sit in the sun or even while folding clothes.

Host A Potluck

Through the past couple of Bible study groups and churches that Charlie and I have been a part of, I have been reacquainted with the fabulous merits of a potluck. Getting to fellowship with friends over a variety of food eliminates the pressure of providing a full meal while allowing you to more fully enjoy your company. 

Seek Out / Play Music

There is something so restorative about music. Regardless of whether you are a musician yourself, are a concert lover or if Spotify is your concert of choice, spend some time playing or enjoying good music. Perhaps, if you are really feeling the fall spirit and are a part of the early Christmas celebration clan, maybe even consider breaking out a Christmas carol or two!

Finish Shopping & Errands By 8 PM

While this certainly is not possible for everyone depending on your work schedule, finishing your shopping and/or errands by around 8 pm allows you to more fully enjoy your evening without running around the whole time. As most stores close either at 6 or 8 pm here in Munich, this has been another item to get used to, but it has allowed us to enjoy our nightly plans so much more! Take this time to linger at dinner, hang out with friends or have a cup of tea, bonfire, etc. and simply embrace the evening without cramming it full of errands. 

Bake Something Tasty

If you are in by 8 pm, why not bake something tasty for dessert!? Break out your favorite fall recipes and make your house smell divine. Your family will love you for it and it might just be one of the perfect ways to slow down.

Light A Fall Candle 

Not in a baking mood? Light a seasonal candle instead to make your house smell warm and cozy. For a fun added twist, light a candle you made with this fall thrift store transformation. 

Try Something New 

Whether a food, place or hobby, try something new this season to expand your horizons and learn more about yourself and those around you! Wanted to learn pottery? Take a class with a friend! Interested in a new hike? Go for it! Curious about a different cuisine? Find a new restaurant or allow the whole family to try something new and cook a recipe together at home! These can be great ways to find out new things both you and those around you may enjoy and will build memories in the meantime. 

Go On A Picnic

If the weather is nice and hosting a potluck isn’t your thing, why not picnic in a park or a fun location near you? In college, a certain parking garage in town was famous for viewing sunsets at the top and, on occasion, even became a favorite picnic spot. So, whether in a park or on parking garage, a lake or your backyard, grab some friends, some food and enjoy the day with a picnic. 

Final Thoughts

While these 15 things are not guaranteed to give you a slower life of margin in every way, they can certainly help provide ways to slow down, rest, reset and live in the moment with those you love. Living a slow life doesn’t only mean opting out, but intentionally providing space to both rest and invite others into life nourishing moments where you can share your heart and better learn theirs. So, do you have a desire for margin, or hope to embrace any of these activities this fall?  I would love to know in the comment section below!

Happy fall!

Chloe

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