Most people will say that the change of Summer to Autumn is a big one for them. It definitely is for me. There is something about it that is almost tangible. Some say they feel it in their bones while others might say that there is a general disconnect between seasons. Some feel a sense of dread.
The reasons are attributed to 'back to school' fever, pulling out the winter gear, mourning the loss of warm-weather opportunities, and voraciously pouring over the winter forecasts with glee because you can't wait to see how bad of a winter is coming each year. Everyone does that, right?
***Disclaimer: results may vary***
As I've grown older I admit I do like fall well enough. The last couple of years I realized just how much I love it. Yes, you are reading this correctly: Winter has a close competitor. While it does admittedly win out over fall I'm happy to finally publicly embrace this most amazing change of seasons.
I feel blessed to live in an area that has four distinct seasons. As a hobby photographer I enjoy the rich colors of fall, the stark contrast of winter, the first brilliant greens of spring, and the thunderstorms that are summer's way of reminding us that she, too, has a powerful place in things.
I think that one of the more uncomfortable things that summer's end represents is a big shift in our personal focus.
We 'wake up' during spring-an almost frenetic process of renewal. It's frenetic for me because the increase of light sends my poor little neurotransmitters into a flurry of activity that rivals the eruption of Krakatoa. (Obligatory educational link: https://www.livescience.com/28186-krakatoa.html )
Summer turns our thoughts toward freedom and focus becomes outward.
Late summer becomes an attempt to hold on with a sense of desperation as the first twinges of fall touch our psyche.
Fall arrives in a brilliant final display of color as it pulls our focus back inward with more structured boundaries and introspection.
Winter brings introspection and the stark beauty of nature as she sleeps.
It's a tougher transition for some.
We are living in times of great uncertainty and this obviously has affected each and every one of us.
I have tended to become more stubborn about many things in my life in order to maintain a form of stability. I've ignored many gut feelings that I should have followed in my quest to keep as much normality and consistency for myself and family.
My stubbornness has become my nemesis.
The only thing that's ended up being consistent is that ignoring the gut feelings have been costly both emotionally and physically.
Looking at what I don't have because of the chaos vs counting our blessings. I think that it's important to continue to count the positives we do have, even if it seems like the negatives far outweigh them.
I have been encouraged by several in my circle to listen to those gut feelings. I found myself initially hyper-focusing and second guessing each feeling I had in an attempt to sort them into the 'gut', 'wishful thinking', and 'nope' categories. It was defeating the whole purpose.
There is a big difference in my gut feelings vs the other ones. The gut feeling is a deeper, quiet, solid thing while the others are not quiet and have no real substance to them. It's similar listening to that still small quiet voice we all do have even if we try to deny it's there.
As we enter into the next phase of the future unknown, I would encourage you to stand tall and strong. You are stronger than you realize.
You can do this.
We can do this.
To quote something I came across a couple of years ago: "Don't be scared, be prepared." Yes, I know it's difficult because we don't know what to really prepare for. This is a topic I will post on at a later date as I'm still sorting that one out.
Be good to each other.
Until next time,
-R
And I would be remiss if I didn't include that we have for your countdown pleasure:
