Today I’d like to make a case for giving Autumn a big ol’ hug.
There is a slight chill in the air during my morning walks these days. In the soft light of the morning I watch the tree branches sway, knowing that in a few short weeks they will begin to shed their leaves, signaling the transition from Summer to Fall.
Today is the first day of Autumn, and I can hardly believe that, even as I type.
As I think about this season of transition, I can’t help but think of this time as one of transition in my own life. Not only are these shifts taking place in obvious, external ways, many of which leave me dancing with excitement and anticipation, but there are internal shifts taking place as well.
Today I would like to share some things that have been on my heart in this time of change. In the always-shifting sands of who we are as people, these are a few things that have resonated with me recently.
1. Your words have power
I feel like this goes without saying, but I’ve recently been reminded of the truth of this sentiment: Your words have power.
We can speak life into people. Or we can throw rocks and speak negativity.
We can speak words of encouragement to others. Or we can mock, belittle, and condescend.
Recently I read a sentiment from APC and Tool front man, Maynard J. Keenan, that resonated. He said:
A hammer is a hammer.
You can use it to build something or destroy something.
It depends on the person swinging the hammer.
What is your goal? What do you expect to get from it?
Some people don’t have a goal.
They just want to swing a hammer.
It might accidentally build something or accidentally destroy something.
Or we can intentionally set out to build something beautiful, powerful, and uplifting.
I’d rather do the latter.
(For more, this is a great podcast on this topic.)
2. Be gracious with yourself and others
Learning and growth isn’t always comfortable. Growth looks like stretching and reaching and, at times, imperfection. This is important to remember when giving ourselves the grace and patience necessary to have space for growth. This is also particularly important to remember as we show up in the world around us.
Everyone is learning and growing in their own ways and at their own pace. Everyone is on their own journey. Everyone is showing up with their own perspectives. In the same way that we need to be gracious with ourselves, we also need to extend that to others.
A practical way that I can stay mindful of this is to assume positive intentions. I may entirely disagree with an individual’s words, choices, or behavior. When that is the case, I try to assume positive intentions. This helps shift my mindset from one of negativity to one of seeking understanding.
3. Embrace the process
Sometimes transition looks messy. Leaves fall to the ground. Grass turns brown. Heavy, unharvested fruit falls to the ground. We understand, as we see the trees go bare, that a beautiful thing is happening. We celebrate the firestorm of color. And we know that the earth will return to us her beauty in the Spring.
We embrace the process of this transition.
Why do we not embrace our own changes, transition, and growth in the same way? Growth and transition don’t always look pretty!
Mike Shinoda wrote a song that, for me, highlights this feeling perfectly. He sings:
Maybe I should be more grateful
That I had to watch it all come undone
Holding so tight to the edge is painful
But I can’t ignore it, I know
They’re watching as I fall, staring as I go
I gave until my soul hurt, and never told them so
They’re watching as I fall, to somewhere down below
But maybe I’m just falling, to get somewhere they won’t
When we are able to pause at the beauty of our own falling leaves and acknowledge the strength we are building, we can embrace the process of growth. We can understand that we are reaching new heights, new levels, and new understandings.
To me, that is as breathtaking and stunning as any serene Autumn vista that could be imagined.
Tonight as I consider whether to start in on some Fall baking or table decorating, know that I will be thinking of you in your seasons of transition. Remember to speak the words that will bring life, to be gracious, and to embrace the season that is here and now.
And I will try to do the same.