Fall is here—or at least that’s what the calendar says. The weather, however, is having a full-blown identity crisis. One minute you’re wrapped in a cozy sweater with pumpkin spice in hand, the next you’re sweating through your “autumn vibes” outfit because the sun decided to stage a summer Biencore. If you see me out in shorts and a scarf at the same time, just know I’m not making a fashion statement—I’m surviving bipolar weather.
But let’s talk about the real fall dilemma: when exactly is it too early to start prepping our “summer bodies” for next year? Is it September? November? Do we wait until April when the panic sets in and Target swimsuits appear like seasonal nightmares on racks? Personally, I missed my window this year. The “greatest body of my life” is still somewhere between my imagination and my freezer stocked with ice cream sandwiches.
Now, with a Florida vacation looming, I’m just praying for rain. Every. Single. Day. Not because I hate the beach (though sand has no business in every crevice of my being), but because nothing says confidence like hiding your “missed-summer-body” under a well-timed thunderstorm. Sure, some people glow in the sun. I glow under patio lighting with a pina colada and a forgiving maxi dress.
So, for now, I’ll enjoy fall fashion for what it truly is: a season where leggings become both pants and a lifestyle, where oversized sweaters hide everything from last night’s nachos to next week’s regrets, and where we all collectively agree that “next summer” is the one.
Because if there’s one thing Lake Norman has taught us, it’s that nobody’s rowing with a perfect paddle. We’re all just doing our best to keep afloat—with mismatched layers, forgotten gym memberships, and maybe a little laughter at ourselves along the way. And honestly, that’s a body worth showing up in.
Until next time, I’ll still be paddling—one short oar, one oversized sweater, and one hopeful summer body away.
Monica Lucia is the Author of The Final Chapter and a passionate advocate for those navigating grief and loss. She is the Founder of Widow’s Den and Sisterhood of LKN, dedicated to supporting families. In addition to her writing and community-building work, Monica is the Grief and Bereavement Counselor and End-of-Life Doula at EveryStory Partners, Charlotte, NC. [email protected].
