The Changing Seasons
“Some said living with cancer had made them wiser, more self-realized, while others had reordered their priorities in life, grown stronger, learned to say no to activities they no longer valued and yes to things that really mattered – such as loving their family and friends, observing the beauty about them, savoring the changing seasons.”
I always liked asking participants in the support groups I led, “What is your favorite season of the year?” or “What was your favorite age?” You learn a lot about people with those questions. Most everyone had a preferred season, and some had a preferred age, stating, for example, they loved being in their 30s when their kids were little. Others said they enjoyed all the seasons and liked their current age.
I love the changing seasons, a time of letting go of what has been and getting ready for what is to come. I equate the changing seasons with the seasons of one’s life, each with its beauty and promises, yet each interspersed with dangers and challenges.
Spring is the first quarter of one’s life, embodying youthfulness that’s typically carefree and playful, full of physical growth, colorful flowers, and lush green grass and pastures. Spring is waiting to grow into the maturity that will come with the possibilities of unlimited adventures. There are dangers in spring, though – tornadoes that can rip one’s life apart or late-spring ice storms and blizzards that remind one to take care when navigating the whims of nature and when making life-determining decisions. Spring is ultimately the hope of things to come.
Spring transitions into summer, when the temperature rises, and nature and responsibilities settle into a routine for seemingly never-ending days. Summer and early adulthood are filled with family time, vacations, making memories, beaches, mountains, laughter, and for some, raising children. There are dangers in summer, though, as excessive heat can be life-threatening. It’s a time when there’s a temptation toward workaholism to ensure being “successful” and, too often, an unawareness of the importance of self-care. It seems like summer will never end. But it does.
Hal Borland has said, “Of all the seasons, autumn offers the most to man and requires the least of him.” Autumn is often a welcome relief – from the heat of the summer and the demands of employment, child-raising, and heavy financial commitments. By the time autumn arrives, there often has been a midlife correction – a reevaluation of goals, values, and relationships. There can be a peacefulness about autumn with its warm, rich colors and feel-good aromas of spiced cider and fall campfires. There’s not much danger in autumn because life is more settled with fewer demands. It’s a time to reflect on summer activities and begin preparation for the winter to come.
Not everyone appreciates winter. For many, winter can be harsh, with bitter cold and knee-deep snow. But winter provides a time to snuggle in blankets, drink hot chocolate or a hot toddy, play in the snow, and soak up the heat from the fireplace. Later adulthood – the winter of our lives – can be filled with health challenges and numerous losses. Still, it also provides opportunities to find purpose and meaning, to change course or make amends, if needed, to give back, to learn new skills, and to share wisdom and lessons learned.
Whatever the season or season of your life, savor each one.
Leave feedback for the author here. (Comments are not posted online.)