A season for everything

Today marks the Winter Solstice (or Summer Solstice for those in the Northern Hemisphere), the shortest day of the year when the sun sets the earliest and rises the latest the next morning. Every day thereafter the sun rises a minute or two earlier and sets a minute or two later until the next solstice 6 months from now. 

This reminds me of the scripture that is often used during major life events, which is “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven”. Even at the most elemental level, from birth through life unto the end, there are stages and seasons, “a time for everything”. For some, just starting out in their careers; for others, considering future career direction. At the same time, some are becoming parents; yet others are caring for ageing parents. There are indeed seasons for all things, whether a time of figuring out your next career moves, or figuring out the meaning of life. 

The point is that life is not one season, one long summer; it’s a cycle of many seasons. Frederick Hudson used the four seasons to illustrate cycles of renewal, being Summer, where everything is aligned and life is going well; Autumn, where you hit the doldrums, perhaps having hit a peak in your career and feeling stagnant; Winter, where you “cocoon”, so to speak, to allow for deep change e.g. by studying further, taking a sabbatical, transitioning into a new career etc., Spring, a time of new life, energy and hopefulness, and thereafter, back into Summer, when you are in the flow of your new focus and life.

The key is to accept that life is a cycle of seasons. Admittedly some are more exciting and fun, and some less so, but “this too shall pass”.

Whatever season or stage of life you may be in, just know that “this too shall pass”. Instead of fighting it, accept it. Yes, you may have to grieve the changing of the season, but, knowing that there is a new cycle coming may make the grief more bearable. 

So, if you are in Summer, enjoy every moment; if in Winter, allow it to do its work.

For today, you can get cosy and settle down just that little earlier. There’s a new season coming. 

What season are you in? How do you feel about being in this season?

If you feel you would benefit from support through a challenging season, or to prepare for an exciting new season, please schedule an Exploratory Chat on my Booking Page. I'd love to journey with you through whichever season you are in.