A Change In 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." - Yoko Ono

With seasonal changes comes additional life changes. As we get closer to the seasonal change from the end of summer into fall, we start to feel changes in the weather. Fall brings back cooler nights, darker mornings, and shorter days. We have to shift from days of wearing t-shirts and shorts to sweaters and pants.  Leaves on the trees begin to change colors and start to fall to the ground.

Along with this, families are experiencing the changes faced with adjusting their schedules and daily routines as children return to school. This year was particularly challenging for me and my emotions. I realized that the oldest of my children was done with school and now pursuing her career. The oldest of my two sons was off to his first year at college, out of state, no less. And, my youngest was starting high school. A lot of significant changes in their lives and the realization that my kids are growing up. I was filled with many mixed emotions. A little sadness, in feeling that they are growing up so fast. But also pride and excitement for their accomplishments and for the new experiences in front of them.

I can still remember, as a child, feeling a bit sad that summer was ending. Some of that was attributed to the nervous anxiety of going back to school, I'm sure. But even to this day, at my age, I still sense a little bit of sadness that summer is ending. Summertime has always been my favorite season. Although throughout life, I have learned to enjoy the beauty that all of the seasons bring. I've always approached the transition into fall with a bit of a nostalgic heart.

While researching this, I realized that I am not alone in these feelings. Many people actually struggle with seasonal change affecting their mood and mentality. This is commonly referred to as 'seasonal affective disorder' (ironically, also known by the acronym SAD), depression related to the change in seasons.

Known more casually as "the winter blues," SAD can have a significant impact on your mood and relationships. It's marked by moodiness, low energy, difficulty sleeping, a lack of interest in activities and relationships, feeling hopeless, and an overall sense of depression. If you are more irritable, withdrawn, or moody during the winter months, the time to plan and prepare is now. For most, this begins in fall and continues through the winter months.

Be aware of any changes or swings in your feelings, attitudes, and moods. You may feel tired more often or even lazy. Maybe you struggle to get out of bed in the morning. Are you easily annoyed or irritated and less patient? Are you finding any shifts or changes in your relationships?

Though many people consider spring to be a time of fresh new starts or new beginnings, fall can also provide fresh starts for many people. It is a time of reflection on the summer and the year thus far and a time to prepare for the winter and upcoming holiday season. As we enter the harvest season, consider the physical, emotional, and relational ways you may be affected by this transition.

Awareness is critical, knowing that there are some simple solutions to help you navigate through any of these emotional changes.

• Physical Activity: Get up and move! Regular exercise has positive effects on your physical and emotional health. Intense workouts are great if you can do it, but you don't have to train for the Olympics! Brisk walks around your neighborhood, light calisthenics like push-ups or sit-ups are also helpful. Heck, even running around outside with your kids can create the same benefits. 
• Have Fun: Do something enjoyable. Play games. Listen to great music. Sing like no one is listening, dance like no one is watching (because they probably aren't. LOL). Look for ways to just enjoy yourself.
• Get Out And Enjoy Nature: It doesn't have to be summertime to get outside. Just being out in the fresh air can prove to be beneficial. Take a moment to see the beautiful colors of the leaves.
• Get Organized: Organizing and de-cluttering can do wonders for your emotional state. It will make you more relaxed, more refreshed, more at ease. Do it! You'll reap the benefits!
• Set Some Goals: Create a task list and start working to check them off. There's nothing quite like the feeling of getting stuff done! The sense of achievement, accomplishment, and productivity do wonders for the psyche.
• Enjoy Great Conversation: Talk with a loved one, a good friend, a colleague, or a co-worker. Share your feelings, thoughts, and experiences with others people. 
• Create Positive Habits: Start off your day in a positive manner. Focus on your blessings. Start with gratitude and thankfulness for life as it is. 

Understanding and responding to your needs will help you prepare for whatever season is approaching. Find things that work best for you. Find joy in the little things. Live in the now. Life is what you make it.

Make today great!

Curtis

"That old September feeling, left over from school days, of summer passing, vacation nearly done, obligations gathering, books and football in the air ... Another fall, another turned page: there was something of jubilee in that annual autumnal beginning, as if last year's mistakes had been wiped clean by summer." - Wallace Stenger