Listening to the Whisper Within

Cognitive Dissonance in the Season of Change

By C. Clark (edit by ChatGPT)

Introduction

Fall is the season of quiet shifts. The long heat of summer softens into crisp breezes. Leaves exchange their greens for glowing reds and golds, then fall gently to the ground, reminding us that change is both natural and necessary. It’s a time when many of us feel more inward, reflective, and aware of subtle stirrings within.

Psychologists have a name for one of those inner stirrings: cognitive dissonance. It’s the feeling of unease we get when our actions and our deeper values don’t quite match. For example, you might tell yourself you value slowing down, but you find yourself overcommitted and rushing from task to task. Or you may long for simplicity, but keep saying yes to more clutter—whether in your home or in your calendar. The mismatch between what is and what feels true creates tension.

But what if that tension isn’t a problem to solve, but a message to hear?

Recently, I described a moment like this: "I went to the store and afterward I didn't feel like going straight home. It was the same feeling in my gut, as the need to get organized. I am wondering if maybe this feeling is more along the lines of my gut telling me who my authentic self is... because as a child I loved being outside."

That simple pause between errands revealed something important. The tug in my gut wasn’t restlessness—it was recognition. A reminder of a younger self who thrived outdoors, who breathed deeply in open air, who felt most alive not inside four walls, but under a wide sky.

Cognitive dissonance often feels uncomfortable, but in moments like these, it becomes a gentle guide. Instead of brushing past the feeling, we can ask: What truth is rising up here? What part of myself is asking to be remembered?

Fall teaches us this lesson beautifully. The trees let go of what no longer serves them, not with resistance but with grace. The earth quiets itself for rest, honoring the rhythms of life. And just as nature listens to its cycles, we, too, can listen to the quiet nudges of our hearts and minds.

So if you notice a flicker of unease this season, don’t hurry to cover it up. Instead, lean in with curiosity. That dissonance might just be your authentic self reminding you of who you are, and guiding you back to what feels whole and true. 🍁