Fall is a time for retrospection, the year is coming to an end, and we often like to review if things have gone according to our New Year vows, goals & plans. It usually feels like time is going by slowly until the first leaves start falling, and we realise we are on the tail end of the year already.

As with every season, this does not have to be a bad thing, every season has its own wonders and joys, a cold season demand snuggles with blankets in front of crackling fireplaces, hot drinks, outdoor activities and warm scarves whilst playing amidst the range of coloured falling leaves. To help with your contemplation, planning and to keep you warm, we’ve posted Dr.Axe’s yummy Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe further down this article.



For many, this season, or this month especially is about breast cancer. There are big drives, activities, and campaigns happening everywhere, to raise awareness and funds to help combat this disease. We have become accustomed to October = pink ribbon. A time to come together. 

Breast cancer is an all-encompassing ugly disease and the likelihood is you probably know someone in your life that is fighting this battle right now. It is tough not only for the patient but also for their family. The support generated from the various activities and campaigns are there to help you deal with this, as well as the patient.

The more awareness is created, the more we learn and can help combat it. We have learned alkaline water and diet has a huge impact on removing the cancer cells, as Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Otto Warburg discovered in 1964, cancer cannot survive in a non-acidic environment. 

Whilst it’s still a huge problem and focus, we are so pleased to see the amazing effects that are taking place all around the world today. UK posted via Science Blog in 2015 that ‘Survival has DOUBLED since the 1970’s’, and those numbers have only gotten better over the past 2 years.

And while this disease is still very much at large and causes enormous amounts of grief, it is an amazing progress and a massive dose of hope to those suffering or feeling weary they may get targeted by this cruel disease, due to family genetics.   



On to a more serious note, Mental health has now become the nr. 1 cause of disabilities worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, and death statistics related to mental health disorders are rising.

These statistics are horrifying and very sad. In a time where we are more connected than ever, we seem to also be more alone than ever before. When was the last time you picked up the phone and called someone, instead of instant message them?



The social media train captivates us around the clock, for some it’s like playing an eternal game of catch up. Have I posted something today, what is everyone else doing, how do I measure up against them? The pressure can be hard, and media, in general, is losing some of its statuses, as we are more and more aware of the danger of the often overemphasized and skewed messages sent out by them to sell more copies.

This is something that affects young people as much as it does older generations. Loneliness has no age restrictions. Just because you are online, does not mean you do not feel lonely. A research made by American Journal of Preventive Medicine discusses that there are people who feel socially isolated who use more social media as a substitute for “in-person” Interactions. However, using this as an alternative sometimes makes them feel more isolated because they still can’t connect well with others.

 

That old saying that ‘you never know when your last day will be, so make today count’ is so true, we don’t, and we should always remember to say ‘I love you’ before going to bed, or at least not going to bed angry.

Reaching out to people when we think of them, and if we get an intuitive feeling something is off with someone, then we should not hesitate and think that we are interfering, today more than ever, we need to stand together and be stronger that way. 



Too often do I read about people committing suicide, and those around them being unaware of the inner struggle this person was dealing with. It is, of course, a huge shock to those left behind, but the true sorrow lies in those who are unable or don’t know how to reach out before it is too late. It is time to shed a lot more light in this area now.



Experiences are always best when shared with someone. Unfortunately, this time of year can for many evoke feelings of confinement and loneliness, as due to weather in cooler climates, we tend to move indoors much more, continuing our lives and indoor activities with family and friends.

We especially see this in western cultures. In southern climates and in the east, it is the family that is the core of your day to day life, friends are a bonus. In the western world, it is often the other way around, often leaving many therefore living far away or cut off from those nearest to them.



The reasons for loneliness can be many, what is important is to not dwell on the past, but to reach out to the future and offer someone a hand. Sometimes asking ‘Are You OK?’ is all it takes to make a difference.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a big family around them, but everyone is surrounded by their local community groups. There are however many options for getting together and finding new friends who share same interests.



Whether it be taking a local painting class, attending a poetry reading session at a library, concert at the town hall, helping out at a shelter or retirement home, being active in a sports group, taking a cooking class (pumpkin pie anyone?!), going hiking, swimming, taking a yoga class etc.

  

If you live near nature, autumn is a stunning time of year to get out and about and enjoy the color spectrum Mother Nature puts on display! Exercise, filling your lungs with air & general movement helps endorphins rush through your body, making your body sing with joy and feel good! A perfect way to spend time with someone before it gets too cold to go out.



The options are plentiful, it’s all about getting out there and helping spread the love. Friends are there to support you, all you need to is reach out a hand and they will be there.

For many, however, this seems to be the hardest part. Reaching out. Being vulnerable. Admitting you are not strong enough to carry whatever burdens you may have. Saying that you need help.

We all need help throughout our lives, but for some the thought of asking for help can leave them full of anxiety and fear, only enhancing what they are already feeling.



It’s ok to feel this way. But know that we are always here. The mountain of problems that may seem insurmountable to you, may be resolved quickly if you only let others in to help you see things from a different perspective.

A good giggle may be just what you need to help kick those fall blues to the curb! If you know of someone who is alone at this time of year, reach out, or perhaps pop over and offer to make them a nice cup of a hot Pumpkin Spice Latte and enjoy together!



Thanks to Dr. Axe, here’s the perfect cold weather recipe to try at home. Don’t forget to make extras for all the neighbours that for sure will be popping round asking for a cup once they smell it through the window! :)

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

1 cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons cooked organic pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon maple syrup
¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup organic brewed coffee or espresso

DIRECTIONS:
Heat the coconut milk in a small pot or tea kettle.
Add the milk and remaining ingredients to a blender, blending until well-combined.
Pour into a mug and sprinkle extra pumpkin pie spice, if desired.

Serve and enjoy!

 

Wishing you all a lovely fall season, with joy, happiness, connection, and unity. Remember to reach out and say hello. Just because when you think of someone, you don’t need to have an agenda.

For some reaching out is the hardest part, you can help close this gap and perhaps help heal some of their pain, or help them see they are not alone.

‘Are you OK?’ are 3 very important words, please use them as often as you can today.