7 minThis blog was written by Kari - the Green Mum - in collaboration with VitaminFit. In this blog, Kari talks about her personal experiences during the transition from summer to autumn. Read on to find out more!
As I write this blog, it is 26 degrees with a clear blue sky. When I finished all the photos and videos I had to shoot today around noon, I decided to hop on my bike with an audiobook and cycle to the beach. I took my laptop with me and sat down to work at a beach bar. That's the great thing about being a self-employed entrepreneur and blogger: with a little planning and creativity, you can work almost anywhere.
Today is also part of that plan: writing an article about the transition from summer to autumn. In this glorious summer weather, I don't want to think about autumn at all. I want to enjoy the last warm days of the year to the fullest. But I also know it's coming. The transition from summer to autumn. I want to prepare for it. Not in “survival” mode. But entering the new season full of courage and inspiration. So that's what I'm going to reflect on in this blog! Will you read along?
Seasons and transition
The seasons teach me so much. They show me that everything is always changing and in motion. Resisting this law of nature is as pointless as hoping that the leaves won't fall from the trees this year. Change means saying goodbye. Goodbye to how things were, to what was there and to who was there. That's not always easy to embrace. Saying goodbye is often accompanied by sadness. I feel that when I think about saying goodbye to summer. But also when I think about my divorce last year, for example.
But just as the arrival of a new season brings new experiences, colours, scents and possibilities, so too has divorce brought me many new experiences, people and insights. I have done so many new things for the first time since the divorce and overcome so many fears. It has taught me that ingrained patterns and old fears belong in the past – where everything is fixed – and not in the present – where everything is always subject to change. The seasons also teach me about resilience, trust and surrender. Elements that I can put to good use in this season of my life.
The transition to autumn
Before me lies the deep Dutch beach, with the big blue sea behind it. Above me, the warming sun shines. Beneath me, the soft sand. The beach cushions carry me, relaxed reggae comes from the speakers and a cold glass of ginger beer stands next to my laptop. I don't have to say goodbye to summer yet. But I can prepare for the approaching autumn.
For me, the basis for this is health. The health of my daughters and my own health. That is where energy comes from. With that energy, we can do things that make us happy, such as visiting museums, going to the woods, bouldering and meeting up with friends. But also doing the things that are necessary, such as working and doing the housework. All these elements together result in a feeling of happiness and meaning. Without that foundation of health, it becomes a lot more difficult to achieve that feeling. That's why my preparation for autumn starts with my health.
Healthy into autumn
For me, healthy into autumn means eating a healthy and varied (plant-based) diet, staying active (bouldering, walking, surfing, cycling), spending a lot of time outdoors (preferably in nature), sleeping well and drinking as little alcohol as possible.
Our meals are rich in fresh (seasonal) vegetables and plant-based sources of protein. To support this, we take vegan dietary supplements. We supplement Omega 3, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D throughout the year, because these are more difficult to obtain from plant-based foods. But also because they are important for the development of children, our energy management and resistance. In addition, we also use iron and vitamin C in challenging times or when we are tired, stressed or have low resistance.
Because I go bouldering (climbing) three times a week, I use magnesium to support my muscles. But magnesium also helps me sleep better, especially in combination with valerian drops. In this way, Vitaminfit nutritional supplements support the life I want to lead with my children.
Gratitude
On a beautiful day like today, it's not difficult to be grateful for life. But by prioritising our health, even when the days get colder and darker, we can continue to see the beauty in life, enjoy the here and now, and face the future with confidence. Becoming aware of this again gives me the motivation and courage to focus on our health. I hope it has inspired you too and that you have a wonderful autumn!
