
"Change is the only constant in life, and the seasons have their own unique way of reminding us of that." — Unknown
Isn’t fall the most beautiful time of the year? I think so. Last week, the trees on my street were ablaze in reds, oranges and golds. And I smiled. And my heart smiled like a glowing ET heart. (If you can’t remember that heartwarming moment, go back and watch the movie!)
Today, though, the same trees are mostly bare. The dried leaves are resting around the tree trunks and on the street. And yet, I find joy. I walk through the leaves, start to kick them and watch them fly through the air. The crunchy sounds and earthy smells bring back memories of my childhood and of my children’s younger years. And I smile. And my heart smiles. I even recorded a video, capturing the sound of my steps as I shuffled through the brittle leaves, and sent it to my family so they could remember and smile along with me.
Some choose to think of life in terms of chapters. While I love books, there’s something about nature that resonates as I think of life and its seasons. Like the natural world, each season of life has its own energy, its own rhythm.
Others have also looked at life through the metaphor of seasons. The author of Ecclesiastes 3:1 wrote: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
In 1959, Pete Seeger wrote a song later recorded by the Byrds and Judy Collins called ‘Turn! Turn! Turn!’ using the words from that Bible verse that explain life in terms of seasons.
As I supported some clients this week who are in unexpected career or personal changes, our conversations turned to understanding that life’s seasons can include chaos, uncertainty, calm, and joy. As we move from one season to the next with its inevitable changes, purpose can be found in each transition of life. While we may not be able to put each life transition on a calendar as predictably as nature’s seasons, there is opportunity for a growth mindset in each part of the journey.
To have the mindset that change is to humans what movement through the seasons is to nature helps me to savor the richness of being human. I don’t fear winter because I have experienced the rebirth of spring, the warmth of summer and the beauty of fall to prepare me for my season of quiet and reflection.
When I look at life through this seasonal lens, I feel as though I’m part of the larger picture of nature - and nature is beautiful. And I smile. And my heart smiles.
What season of life are you in now? What markers ground you as you move through life’s transitions?
Just as nature flows through its rhythms, we too can find beauty, purpose, and wisdom in every season of our life.
In your corner,
Linda
"The changing of the seasons marks our journey through life, embracing and learning from each experience." — Unknown
Want to talk more? Send me an email at lindalovin.com. I look forward to hearing from you!