Seasons Change | Fall in Northern Michigan

Oct 27

As the seasons change, it’s a perfect time to reflect upon the changing “seasons” in our lives. The ups and downs, good times and bad, are all an integral part of the circle of life. The challenge is to not dwell on past seasons and not stress or worry about future seasons, but to stay present and take in all the beauty of the season we are in.

The weather in Northern Michigan has changed quickly. Even though several days with fall color were rainy, we’ve been fortunate to have some beautiful days to go out and hike through the amazing nature trails up here. One of my favorites was this magical walk on a portion of the North Country Trail with a view of the High Rollaways.

Another bittersweet moment was learning this past weekend was the last for the outdoor Farmer’s Market this season. We are so lucky to have fresh, locally grown produce readily available. It’s another great way to flow with the naturally changing seasons. As the seasons change, so do the types of foods that grow and thrive.

Fall is actually one of my personal favorite seasons – the beautiful color, warm sun, crisp air, and of course football. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because of what it represents ~ being thankful. I especially love the time spent with family and friends. It’s sometimes tough, especially during the holidays, to miss those who are gone. However, it is a perfect time to be thankful for the fond memories instead of dwelling on the sadness.

One fond memory I have of my mom is how she loved to sing. She especially loved the song Que Sera, Sera (What Will Be, Will Be). I never thought much about the words before, but as I get older, it has more meaning to me. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in not only the sadness or heartaches from yesterday, but also the worries about tomorrow. When that happens we totally miss the here and now. We forget to be in the moment. We stress and worry about things that may or may not ever happen. It’s a constant battle in my mind to stay present and enjoy what is happening right here, right now, but when I do that there is so much more peace and contentment in my life.

There are times when the changing seasons of our lives can be pretty tough. We just have to hang in there and keep looking for the silver linings during those rough seasons. The thing is once you come out on the other side and enter a smoother, easier season you seem to enjoy and appreciate it so much more. It’s those hard times that teach us lessons we need to learn and prepare us for the next season of change.

Maybe we should take a tip from the trees that stand strong and tall, but remain flexible through each season. Branches and leaves reach up to soak in the sunshine, rain, snow, wind, or whatever nature brings their way. Each season brings a change, and the trees continue to grow and thrive.

Change is not always easy, but if we can just go with the flow it becomes easier to embrace the next season that comes our way. Why are we so afraid of change? The familiar is so comfy and cozy. I guess the trick is to not get too wrapped up in holding on, but be more like the trees and freely let go of our leaves in this changing season. Following the road for what lies ahead and loving every step along the way.

What a perfect time of year to sip a hot cup of coffee either on your own or in conversations with others enjoying the beauty of the warm sun, now lower in the sky.

It’s a great time to remind ourselves to soak it all in, knowing the next season will be here soon. Be still in nature and enjoy every moment. Try not to stress over when or what will happen next. Let go of the past. Remember the good times, appreciate what we have learned from the not so good times. Love the here and now because soon it will change again. And this is now.