Hi, I’m Ariel. I help people reclaim their spaces through decluttering and organizing — and along the way, we often discover peace, freedom, and a little more room to breathe. This blog is where I share reflections, encouragement, and practical tools for anyone walking their own journey of letting go.
What Fall Foliage Taught Me About Letting Go
Why do leaves have to die every year? That question led me to discover what trees already know: sometimes letting go is the only way to grow. In decluttering, as in nature, release creates space for renewal — for us, and for others.
The Beauty We Don’t Always Notice
When I think of New England foliage, I picture the fiery reds, oranges, and yellows spread across the mountains, framed by deep green evergreens. It’s breathtaking, and I feel lucky to see it right from my porch.
But last week, on my 40th birthday, I noticed something different. Driving down the highway, praying and weeping (as I often do on long drives), I was struck by the quiet beauty of the browns scattered among the conifers. It wasn’t the postcard image people travel here for, yet it filled me with joy.
And I found myself asking: Why do the leaves have to die every year?
A Survival Mechanism
Curiosity got the best of me, so I turned to Google and learned a new word: abscission.
As the cold sets in, deciduous trees reclaim nutrients from their leaves, reduce water retention, and gently release the leaves when they’re no longer needed. Those leaves fall, decompose, and nourish the soil. Come spring, new life returns.
If trees refused to let go, if they clung to their leaves year-round, they wouldn’t survive.
A Lesson for My Own Life
That truth hit me hard. I often push myself to stay “fruitful” and productive, even when I’m pouring my energy into things that no longer serve me. But just like the trees, I need seasons of release. I need to return my energy to the roots, to trust that stillness and even barrenness can prepare me for growth that’s stronger and healthier in the future.
Decluttering as Abscission
Decluttering works the same way. We collect possessions with good intentions, but over time they pile up. They become reminders of past versions of ourselves, distractions that keep us from moving forward. They crowd our spaces and our minds.
What if we learned from the trees? What if we drew our energy back to what matters most, releasing what no longer serves us?
And here’s the beauty: when we let go, we don’t just find peace and freedom for ourselves. The things we release can bless and nourish someone else.
An Invitation
Maybe this fall is your season to let go—whether that’s clutter in your home, noise in your mind, or burdens in your heart.
As you look at the leaves changing, ask yourself: What can I release so I can grow stronger in the season ahead?