Fall is my favorite time of year, and it isn't just about sweater weather or being able to eat all of the pumpkin flavored items my heart desires. I love fall because it is filled with beauty and life lessons, all wrapped up in colorful leaves and beautiful cardigans. There is nothing that compares to the crisp, cool fall mornings and the scent of apples and cinnamon. Fall has gained the reputation of being basic for many reasons, from UGG boots to pumpkin spice everything, among other things. To me, fall is a complex season in our lives.

Fall is the season of change from the changing leaves to the change of temperature to the change in the clothes we wear. This is one of the life lessons that this season can teach us.

Change happens whether we like it or not, but it can bring beauty to our world.

I feel like everyone faces a time in life when change happens. Whether it is a little thing or major life-altering moment, we tend to shut down, be defensive, and resist the change that is occurring. I understand that not all change is good, but at the same time, without change, where would we be? Fall is an example of a change that many people love and enjoy partaking in. Live like this season, embrace change and see the beauty happening all around you.

Fall also teaches us about letting go. From the leaves changing color and then falling off trees to letting go of pumpkin spiced lattes once fall is finished, this season teaches us the circle of life. Letting go can be hard for many of us, and I know I struggle with letting things go from time to time. Life is not forever, and the things we have around us won't always last. A part of life is letting things, people, and parts of our lives go. Even if it hurts at first, time seems to move on and the wounds seem to heal on their own. Letting go isn't about moving on and forgetting, it is about understanding that everything comes and goes in its time.

Learn the lesson that fall is teaching us this year, and every year of your life.

As a farmer's daughter, I love fall for another reason: harvest. Harvest season is busy and stressful. It's always a time-crunch trying to get finished with your crop. On the other hand, harvest can bring families together with late night dinners to bond over another busy day. Harvest is finishing out your year and celebrating the accomplishment of another year of your crops growing. This time of year may add extra gray hairs to farming families, but the work they are doing impacts people all over the world. Harvest time is seeing all of the hard work you have put into your farm pay off and can give you a sigh of relief of another year in the books.

So yes, I will definitely be enjoying blanket scarves, my fall scented Bath and Body Works candles, and boots of all colors and heights, but there is more to that when it comes to fall. Fall is not basic, and those who think it is fall short in seeing the big picture about what the best season in the world brings to the table. The only thing basic about fall is how people judge others for enjoying the season. Go to a pumpkin patch, drink all of the apple cider you want, but most of all make the most of the season while it's still here. Life is short, and so is this season.