Seasonal Shifts and Second Chances

Having lived in Southern California all my life, I never really experienced the seasons, just subtle shifts in sunlight. The leaves go from green to brown to gone, not much in between. It’s dependable. Predictable. And to be honest, quite lovely. Let’s face it, one of the biggest perks of living in California is the weather.

As someone who’s always had to travel to see the seasons, I’ve thought, and can now confirm, that autumn is my favorite.

There’s something about this time of year that feels like change. Summer is gone, winter isn’t quite here, and everything is a little moody in the middle, cool air, golden leaves, and that hint of something shifting.

Honestly, I think that’s why I love it so much. Because right now, my life feels exactly the same way. Everything around me is changing, my home, my country, the way I get around, the people I meet, even the way I spend my weekends.

I knew this move would challenge me. I knew that if I wanted a different London story this time, I had to show up differently too, to be okay with the uncomfortable, with getting lost in the city, with trying new things alone. To be open to change, if I wanted things to change.

I left San Diego hoping to find a version of life that fit me better, one that felt more aligned with who I am and who I’m becoming. Not because I needed to reinvent myself, but because I was ready to step into a new season.

And the thing about seasons is… they’re constant in their change. Some are harder, some more beautiful, but each one has something worth noticing if you slow down long enough to see it.

So while I’m realizing that autumn may be my favorite season for all its beauty and in-betweens, I’m also hoping this season, this London chapter, brings its own kind of beauty too.