thebest things in fall are FREE

Each of these transitions not only comes with a schedule change, but they also come with a budget change. Expenses are a bit higher than normal because of back-to-school supplies, wardrobe updates, or preparing our homes for winter. While these are all good and necessary, oftentimes the best things in life are free.

What if this fall we vowed to savor the season and slow down a little? Here are three simple ways to slow down and embrace the gifts of fall that are often free or cost very little.

1. Nature Walks

This may seem obvious, but I personally know that every year I wish I would have hiked more or spent more time outdoors in the fall. We may drive around our city and appreciate the leaves, but how often do we find a local trail or walk through our parks and truly take in the colors and scents that fall brings us? Some of our favorite local hikes or parks to walk through are Buffalo River State Park, Maplewood State Park, Fort Ransom State Park, or Gooseberry Park. Sometimes a breath of fresh air is exactly what we need to jumpstart our day, or end our day on a good note.

2. Meaningful Conversations around the kitchen table

Picture a hearty bowl of soup, a loaf of bread for dipping, and some of your favorite people seated at your kitchen table. Whether those people seated around you are close friends, family members or your spouse, conversations about our day or what is going on in our lives is always a precious gift. Turning off our cell phones for the evening and pursuing real human connection with the ones we love is always a worthy investment.

3. Open Windows and Cool Breezes

Each season has its own scents and sounds, but the ones of fall seem to be particularly special. The crunching of leaves and the crisp temperature and smell of the air come together to create a combination that is hard to beat. The simple act of opening up our windows and allowing the cool crisp air to enter through the drapes is an easy way to appreciate one of the best free gifts fall has to offer.

Hopefully these three simple ways of savoring fall this year inspire you to create some of your own simple moments and traditions before the busy holiday season.

Fall Dates

OCT. 16 – NOV. 20

6:00 – 7:15 PM each Monday

"When Mourning Dawns" is our six-week series that looks at the seasons of the year to guide our conversations about the seasons of your grief. Preregistration is required and space is limited. Please call or email us if you have questions or interest in this series. for more info: boulgerfuneralhome.com

These meetings are led by our Grief Support Coordinators Sonja Kjar and Ann Jacobson. 701-237-6441 griefsupport@boulgerfuneralhome.com