Seasons of Change
Our lives transition through various seasons continuously. Some of these seasons are clearly defined by the life stage we are in – be it welcoming a new child, experiencing the departure of kids from home, embarking on a new relationship, or stepping into the workforce, each phase brings forth unique challenges and opportunities.
In addition to these more universal life stages, we also encounter personal seasons that are more idiosyncratic. It could be a period of recovery post-surgery, grieving the loss of a dear one, navigating a strained relationship with a partner or adult child, or facing the uncertainties of a turbulent job market that demands reinvention.
I vividly recall a moment from last summer when I was emerging from a whirlwind period of intense writing, editing, and promotional activities that I had deeply immersed myself in. Despite my passion for these endeavors, I found myself exhausted. As I contemplated my next steps, a subtle longing emerged within me – a desire to simply pause, paint, indulge in good food, and share laughter.
Yet, amidst this inner whisper, there were louder voices echoing doubts.
Are you willing to relinquish all the progress and momentum you have built?
How will your followers perceive this shift?
You are being lazy, avoiding the essence of hard work.
Struggling to heed the call for rest, I realized the societal conditioning deeply rooted in notions of hard work, discipline, and perseverance, often equated not just with success but with moral righteousness. The relentless pursuit of goals and the glorification of constant striving had become intertwined with virtues, making it arduous to detach from this mindset.
What provided solace was embracing the concept of life’s seasons. I acknowledged that I was transitioning into a new phase where the strategies that served me well in the past, particularly during the process of birthing my book, needed to evolve. This new chapter beckoned for a version of myself that could revel in simple joys and embrace the present without an agenda.
I recognized this as the person I was destined to evolve into.
This persona was unfamiliar to me. Known for my self-discipline and independence, I rarely required external monitoring to adhere to my commitments. My dedication was so unwavering that even my snooze button hesitated to interrupt my routines, finding a compliant ally in me.
As I embarked on this season of repose and rejuvenation, I contemplated the behaviors that warranted transformation. No more setting alarms on my phone, abandoning meticulous planning and exhaustive to-do lists, or rigid adherence to ‘miracle mornings’ that once defined my lifestyle. These practices no longer resonated with the essence of my current phase.
Adjusting to this shift was a process. Initially, feelings of lethargy crept in as I indulged in moments of daydreaming, grappled with the absence of a structured agenda, and battled bouts of guilt for seemingly unproductive days. However, with each gentle reminder that this phase of rest was essential for my growth, the journey became more liberating.
Renowned writer and spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle once said, “If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place.” What internal transformation is seeking expression within you? What dormant seed is yearning to flourish? Each of us harbors multiple potentials waiting to be realized, encompassing various facets of our lives that propel us towards our ultimate purpose.
Through introspection, I identified seven such potentials encompassing health, work, and personal growth. Life unfolds as we navigate through these realms, peeling away layers to reveal our true selves and the profound impact we are destined to create.
After approximately six months of embracing this period of introspection and renewal, a newfound vigor and creativity surged within me, signaling the culmination of my season of restoration. I was prepared to transition to the next chapter.
While not everyone can fully immerse themselves in a season of self-discovery as I did, there are opportunities for each individual to honor their unique journey in subtle ways. In moments of self-doubt or constraint, remember that realizing your potential is an expression of your soul, transcending the constraints of time.
By honoring these subtle shifts, life aligns harmoniously, propelling you towards fulfilling the universe’s grand design for you. As aptly expressed by Paulo Coelho in The Alchemist, “When you truly desire something, it’s because that desire originates from the soul of the universe… and the entire cosmos conspires to aid you in its attainment.”
May you embrace this season of growth and transformation wholeheartedly!