Shedding Seasons: Nourishing Body & Spirit through Change
What if the secret to becoming your best self wasn’t in adding more but in letting go?
October is the season of shedding. Trees release their leaves, the air cools, and nature reminds us that letting go is not an ending, but an invitation to renewal. In our own lives, this shedding can take many forms — releasing outdated habits, limiting beliefs, or even relationships that no longer serve us. When we embrace this season of transition, we create space to become who we are meant to be.
One of the most powerful ways to honor this transformation is through how we nourish ourselves, both physically and spiritually. Just as the earth provides hearty root vegetables, grounding teas, and warming spices during this time, our bodies crave foods that support balance, stability, and strength. Eating seasonally is more than a diet trend; it’s a ritual that connects us to cycles greater than ourselves. Choosing pumpkin, sweet potato, or ginger isn’t just about flavor, it’s about alignment. These foods root us, offering warmth and sustenance when our lives may feel uncertain.
But nourishment extends beyond the table. Rest, reflection, and intentional practices like journaling or meditation help us release mental clutter and make room for clarity. The act of pausing, like a tree standing bare in autumn, reminds us that strength lies not in constant productivity, but in knowing when to let go.
As Audre Lorde once wrote, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Her reminder calls us to recognize that nourishing our bodies and spirits, especially during times of transition, is more than wellness; it is resistance and empowerment.
Similarly, Michelle Obama reflects in Becoming, “We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own to-do list.” Shedding what no longer serves us creates the space to do exactly that — to prioritize ourselves, our growth, and our wholeness.
Shedding, whether in nature or in life, is not always easy. It requires courage to loosen our grip on what feels familiar. Yet, when we nourish body and spirit through this process, transformation becomes not only possible but beautiful.
Transformation begins with release. The question is what are you ready to shed so you can shine?
Deneen L. Garrett is a Dream Lifestyle™ coach, speaker, writer and creator & host of a 100 Best Women’s Empowerment podcast Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation. She helps women design lives they love through intention, creativity and bold self-belief. Deneen also contributes to Culturs Magazine and Medium.