SEASONS CHANGE & SO DO WE
FALL—- AN INTERESTING TIME OF CHANGE AND WONDER…….
The fall is always an interesting time of change and wonder. The trees begin to shed their leaves and here in New England bright beautiful colors invade the sky when the branches reach high. We embrace the cooler nights, the earlier sunsets and the warm clothing. Those of us who live on this side of the country talk about the changing seasons and even complain when one misses its appointed start time. We know that with each season comes anticipation, excitement and a reason to plan and of course, go shopping.
Today, as i was reflecting on the seasons, I thought that our professional and personal journeys shift and turn just like the seasons. We all experience highs and lows in our careers, our families and our adventures. We can call these episodes in our lives seasons which by definition means: each of the four divisions of the year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) marked by particular weather patterns and daylight hours, resulting from the earth's changing position with regard to the sun.
And just like the seasons our lives are marked by particular experiences, traditions and circumstances resulting from our environment, our upbringing and/or our relationships. Many have called combined decades in our lives spring, summer, fall and winter. Meaning, you can consider your birth as your spring season, you grow up during your summer season, and you mature in your fall season, by your winter season you are beginning to age. This is one way to think about our life’s journey. And just like we prepare for the year’s seasons we must prepare for life’s seasons.
As I sit at my desk and look out my window watching the leaves turn colors, I think about the twists and turns my own journey has taken me. Each step marked by learning about self and others. Above all, I have learned to embrace change and at times even crave change. I have loved the suspense of what is next, the risk of trying new things, and the anticipation of what is next. How about you? Yoko Ono once said when comparing life to seasons:
“Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence.
Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance.
Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence.
Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance.”
I found her words profound. Take life in stride, savor every moment, enjoy every accolade, and laugh a lot. For those very focused on your professional journey: think about which season of your personal and professional life you are in; own your past and current successes; explore and discover new wonders; and make sure above all to find joy in all that you do.
Openness to change breeds new excitement and a new season.
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
― Albert Camus