Fall is my favorite season. Maybe it’s because I have lived in Massachusetts my entire life and have been spoiled with gorgeous New England falls, but I love everything that comes with it, too. I love pumpkin-flavored everything, wearing sweaters, and taking photos of orange leaves. Some would be quick to condemn me for being “basic”, but since 2020 has been A YEAR, it’s the small joys that I’m trying to indulge for the sake of my mental health.
One of the first things that people find out when they get to know me is that I have a deep, deep hatred for the “I’m not like other girls” mindset. I hate that the patriarchy has tried to pit girls and women against each other, and taught us that we must not be like “other girls” (i.e. enjoy traditionally feminine things) in order to be desirable and/or successful. And right now, whilst we are in the middle of a pandemic, lifting each other up is more important than ever. One of the easiest ways we can do that is by letting each other indulge in whatever brings us joy.
I regularly drink pumpkin spice lattes because I think they’re really good. I like wearing sweaters because they’re cute. I like posting photos of autumn leaves to Instagram because they make me happy. I think it’s safe to say that 2020 has not been anybody’s year, so if going apple picking (safely!) makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, do it! Shamers are damned.