When the trees begin to shed their leaves during the fall, could this act of nature possibly be applied metaphorically to ourselves… a time to let go of what no longer serves us?
Maybe we could be like the leaves falling from their source and trust the process by letting go in order to create the opportunity for something new to come into our lives.
I realized how symbolic transitions and change can be for all of us, but if we pay attention there are so many lessons from nature. Ever notice when trees begin losing their leaves, they provide us with the most spectacular color display showing us how “letting go” can be so beautiful?
When the fall season arrives, I often feel let down; why did all this beauty cover the ground?
I finally found solace in my heart today as I listened and thought was these leaves might say:
“Don’t mourn for me now, I have basked in the sun, my time here on earth soon will be done. All along, we knew what to do, give shade in the summer provide a breeze too. As the seasons change, we shower the earth; winter arrives then in spring we rebirth!Leaves are a symbol of what life is meant to be; we’re only here for a season now I hope you will see… We are all the same, like the leaves on a tree, our lives are a season, don’t you agree?”
“A season to sprout and show who we are, the shine our light just like a star; yet times will change, we will need to accept the new role it might be called a “reckoning” with our soul.”
As we reminisce about our journey in life, we definitely have our favorite seasons….
I have always loved summer because life seemed to slow down a little, the daily schedule didn’t seem so hectic, and there was more time to enjoy being outside and appreciating nature. All of a sudden, it would be the Fourth of July, and school clothes would appear in department stores which would give me angst, what is the rush, why can’t we just appreciate what summer has to offer?
I believe the only thing in our control is what we choose to focus on… so about a month ago, I decided to do some fun projects with the sea shells that I collect in Florida instead of worrying about Hurricane Ian, which was out of my control!
I made some gifts and attached a poem to give memories to people that I knew would appreciate a little present from the sea. I wish I could make these for everyone.
Poem: “A gift from the sea from me to you, showing the magic that nature can do, washing ashore like treasures from above, teaching us about life, of beauty and love.”
Remember, what we pay attention to in our lives becomes our perspective.
Do you want to discover what you can do to create your unique stamp on the world or try to control the narrative? Is there something you can finally let go of in your life that has been holding you down?
Your choices aren’t lifelong contracts. It is okay to regroup, better understand your current needs and make new decisions based on a deeper understanding of yourself.
My Three New Daily Practices:
- I will practice: No longer looking for people to give what they are not capable of giving.
- I am going to focus my attention on connecting with myself and others in a healthy way. I will be more self-reflective and ask myself: “I know I am becoming emotionally healthier when I…….”
- A BIG ONE: Witness when I start to overexplain myself and not feel afraid/ guilty. I will practice recognizing that having NEEDS is normal!!
As we move into the holiday season, it is crucial for all of us to be more mindful of our actions and give what I call; “Grace & Space” when we need a break from the craziness!
I am taking lessons from the mighty oak trees in my backyard and being reverent as I walk around on their sacred grounds, acknowledging their roots have been here a LOT longer than me and will be here LONG after me… and as they lay dormant and wait for winter to take hold, I will trust the process believing spring will come again!
I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. I’m grateful for every one of you!
Maria Bucci, M.Ed LPC DWC-F. Daring Way Facilitator by Dr. Brené Brown
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