Want to embrace a pumpkin spice state of mind? You need this mindset
- Alexis Renae
- Sep 14, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: May 6, 2024
Brew up a new way of life
Let’s explore a seasonal twist on the classic expression, the Spice of Life. Just like the Spice of Life is about adding variety to your life for more fulfillment, the Pumpkin Spice of Life is about cultivating enrichment by savoring a variety of autumn adventures.
Before we dive into the Pumpkin Spice of Life, let’s set the stage by reviewing the classic expression.
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Spice of Life
Here’s a quote from English poet William Cowper (1731–1800) to lay the groundwork for our fall mindset:
“Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all it’s flavour.”
In other words, variety makes life more exciting. You can develop a greater zest for life — pun intended — by exposing yourself to a variety of cultures, interests, stories, and adventures.
Just like how flavoring a dish with different spices adds richness to your meal, adding variety to your lived experiences, brings greater depth, meaning, and richness to your life.
You never know where these new experiences will take you. Your adventures can lead you down new paths of personal development, connect you with people you would have otherwise never met, and bring you closer to your community, inspiring new interests, hobbies, and areas of study.
Reflection Prompt
Jot down unique experiences that you have had in your life that helped you cultivate greater personal development — and expanded your horizons.
Personally,
Volunteering to alleviate hunger and homelessness connected me closer to local nonprofit organizations.
Attending museum events and festivals developed my passion for the arts and led me toward my career path in media and culture.
Enjoying different stories in books, movies, and TV shows broadened my perspective on life and inspired new hobbies, activities, and adventures.
Trying out adventurous activities such as exploring corn mazes and going to amusement parks in the fall sparked a new sense of adventure.
Learning about diverse cultural festivals, holidays, dishes, and places helped me develop a greater appreciation for cultural exploration and connected me with new communities.
Again, diversifying your experiences can enrich your life and bring about personal growth.
Pumpkin Spice of Life
Let’s blend in a seasonal twist on this classic expression, that iconic pumpkin spice flavoring, for a new perspective on infusing variety into your seasonal adventures.
Pumpkin spice is a unique fall flavor that has grown to represent core seasonal elements and experiences.
It’s interesting, even though all the leaves are still green on the trees, and that crisp autumn fresh air has not arrived. You can feel the fall spirit around you.
How have we cultivated such excitement for diving headfirst into the fall if the season hasn’t even officially arrived yet? A lot of the excitement and interest has been brought in by a specific spice, Pumpkin Spice.
Savoring the pumpkin spice of life is about getting into the fall spirit and exploring a variety of autumn adventures.
Pumpkin spice has grown into a cultural way of life.
Since Starbucks debuted its Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) 20 years ago, this spice has been sprinkled everywhere from foods and drinks to beauty and fragrances.
“Millions of PSLs and thousands of “P-S-Lfies” later, the beverage had officially entered the cultural zeitgeist. By the 2010s, everything from pumpkin spice-scented candles to pumpkin-spice ham were in the marketplace.” Heidi Peiper, “PSL turns 20”
There’s even a Build-A-Bear bunny all about pumpkin spice. Pumpkin Sparkle Pawlette has golden sprinkled-orange fur. This bunny can be dolled up with a pumpkin spice scent, a latte accessory, and trendy fall outfits.
Pumpkin spice has become multi-dimensional.
This spice has transformed into an overall cultural aesthetic for enjoying the season. The connections that we have with this drink create imagery of
Cozy sweaters and blankets
Scenic road trips
Fall festivals and foliage
Relaxing evenings indoors
Seasonal outfits with plaid patterns, orange colors, or fuzzy textures
Taking time to savor this spice has created new opportunities to welcome the season.
Therefore, even though a pumpkin spice latte or another fall drink is just a drink, by associating it with nature, you may be inspired to go outdoors. Associating it with a sense of community might inspire a social outing over warm beverages. Perhaps, taking time to slow down and enjoy a cozy drink brings forth the idea of building more self-care and relaxation into your schedule.
Savoring the Pumpkin Spice of Life is about getting into the fall spirit.
Pairing this flavor with the Spice of Life expression emphasizes the power of variety and immersion to bring about enrichment.
When a new season comes, there is a chance to change your approach to living.
Each season is an opportunity to add new flavors to your palate, vary decor in your home, alter your wardrobe, and modify your mindset. By pouring this variety into your life, you can immerse yourself in diverse traditions, community connections, reflection, and appreciation.
Get into the spirit of the season by savoring your experiences and exploring your sense of adventure.
Pumpkin Spice-Inspired Bucket List Ideas
Here are some fun, seasonal adventure ideas to get into that pumpkin spice state of mind.
Have a pumpkin spice-scented spa day
Write a fall poem
Paint an autumn scene
Create a relaxing fall playlist
Journal with season-inspired writing prompts
Drink a pumpkin spice latte (or another fun fall beverage)
Decorate a fall wreath
Take a scenic drive
Decorate your home with candles and/or fairy lights
Enjoy crisp natural scents on a foliage stroll
Wrap Up and Warm Wishes
Invigorate your sense of seasonal adventure. Wishing you a wonderful pumpkin-spiced season!
Until next time, remember to make life an adventure 🧡
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