I just got back from a mini-Mexico vacation. Mini because, honestly, anything under 7 days is not a true vacay. Anything less makes the packing, unpacking, and repacking a smidge tedious and really cuts into my tequila-sipping time.

But this trip does the trick. Although only 4 days, it feels like 7. An hour drive and one Mexican border crossing from my front door and, Voilá!, my hubby and I (and a handful of our friends) are eating my dee-lish-ous homemade ceviche on the veranda as the mighty Pacific crashes below. It’s 4 days of total relaxation that feels like I’m a thousand miles from my to-do list. Relishing in a “I’ll get to that mañana” mentality is the perfect way to say adiós to summer.

Now, it’s time to transition to Fall. The season of oversized scarves, new boots, and pumpkin spice EVERYTHING!

It’s also the season of Metal. Don’t expect the Metallica gang to show up at your doorstep. That’s not what I’m talking about. Although, how rad would that be? I’m going to put the spotlight on the Metal Element: the Chinese Element of the Fall season.

Let’s look at a few energetic patterns as the temperature drops from “Oh yeah, yoga on the beach!” to “Hot yoga, here I come!”.

And to keep you warm and cozy at home I’m giving you the recipe for one of my favorite hot drinks: Immune Boosting Spicy Coconut Tea. It’s a hug in a cup.

Your Leaves of Change for the Fall

The Metal Element impacts many areas of life during Fall. Let’s focus on 3:

• Letting Go
• Inspiration
• Value

Letting Go

We can learn a lot from trees. Every Fall they let go of their leaves when they’re ready – and without an ounce of guilt – the leaves simply float down to the ground. No hard feelings. Instinctively, the tree knows it doesn’t need them anymore. It’s ready to make room for new, healthy leaves.

You have a choice now. Are you ready to channel your inner 90’s R&B Diva or your fiercest Disney Queen?

En Vogue says to Hold On. Queen Elsa says to Let It Go. Whose advice do you take? Depends.

If you have a great relationship (with a person or object) then yes, hold on. Hold on like you found the Golden Ticket and ol’ Slugworth has his eye on it. Squeeze that baby tight!

But, if the relationship isn’t bringing you joy or you’re only holding on out of guilt or obligation then it’s time to let it go, let it go!

A little warning…don’t let go prematurely. Remember, trees let go when it’s the right time. No sooner. Let go too fast, you miss out on what you need in order to grow in the next season. So, when you’re deciding whether to let go of something or not, be rooted in your instincts like a tree.

Besides, the physical symptoms of holding on too long or letting go too quickly can be uncomfortable: constipation and diarrhea, respectively. No one wants that. It’s uncomfortable and inconvenient to have your bowels acting up while you’re drinking your Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Inspiration

Let’s go back to our friend, the tree. Before the leaves let go, they change color. And it’s dramatic. From bright green to burnt orange to fiery red! It’s so beautiful. That final burst of color. That tree doesn’t hold anything back. If there was an Olympic Event for Artistic Tree-ing, it would win Gold.

You too might have a burst of inspiration. You’re no Napoleon Dynamite with no skills. Nay! You are the writer, artist, dancer, didgeridoo player extraordinaire! You are inspired with your work and your relationships (the ones you decided to hold onto – the healthy ones, remember?).

Or maybe you inspire others just by being you. You could be someone’s muse! Right this second someone might be pursuing her dreams because YOU inspired her. Powerful stuff, no? So make like a leaf…and dazzle.

Value

Mr. Maple, our leafy tree-friend is pretty valuable, dontcha think? He provides us with shade during summer. He provides us with gooey, mapley goodness to smother on our gluten-free coconut flour pancakes. And he’s beautiful to look at. (I dare you to read The Giving Tree without choking up a little at the end.) He’s worth a lot. Especially to that maple harvester.

Do you resonate with your worth like Mr. Maple? Or, are you more prone to devaluing yourself? Any of these ring true for you?

• I call myself stupid, an idiot, or a loser when I make the slightest mistake.
• I have to buy the latest iPhone 7 in order to impress my friends.
• Sometimes I want my partner to feel as bad as I do so I lash out and scream at him/her.

Fall is the time to examine – and change – some of these self-beliefs and behaviors that rob you of your true worth. I want you to know that you are worth so much — you, too, have Mr. Maple’s sweet syrup within you.

Whether you’re letting go, holding on, inspiring, being inspired, feeling valuable or less-than-valuable…tune into your inner-treeness. Embrace the season and its natural changes.

Next month I’ll show you 5 ways to season up your Fall with your 5 senses.

Simply resonating with you letting go like a leaf this Fall,

Stacy

P.S. You made it all the way to the end! You deserve a hug in a cup! (recipe below)

P.P.S. If any of your friends or family also need a hug in a cup, then share the link below and invite them to subscribe to my list to receive energetic goodness every month.

Immune Boosting Spicy Coconut Tea Tonic

Ingredients:

½ cup full fat coconut milk
½ cup filtered water
¼ teaspoon turmeric
¼ teaspoon ground clove
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon vanilla
Dash cayenne
1 Rooibos tea bag of choice
Optional secret ingredient: one drop pure cinnamon essential oil
1 cinnamon stick for serving

Directions: In a small saucepan, bring all ingredients (except cinnamon essential oil, if using) to a slow simmer. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon essential oil. Strain, if desired, or pour straight into a teacup to sip and enjoy.