We are fast approaching the season of pumpkin flavored everything and “It’s Fall Y’all” signs exploding across the country. It always makes me laugh when the weather drops four degrees and suddenly it’s time for the ladies to pull out the vests and boots and slap a death grip on the pumpkin spice lattes. I get it, though. (They are delicious, and I will never refuse a pumpkin cream cold brew). The same could be said about those of us who can’t wait for the first night that is cool enough to bust out the tent (or hammock, depending on your preference) and celebrate the inaugural camping trip of the season. There’s nothing like it.
This is typically the time of year where trips are planned to head towards areas of the country that provide the visuals to everyone’s favorite season. A vast array of oranges, yellows, browns, and reds that make a Bob Ross painting seem like 1st grade art. There are some incredible sights to be discovered hidden behind the curves of a narrow mountain road. There is nothing like the contrast of a fresh blacktop road with crisp, yellow double lines cutting through the background of tree trunks and falling leaves.
This is just my go-to fall scene, but I’m sure you were painting one in your own mind as you read that. There’s no doubt, it’s a wonderful time of year to most of us. Aside from the obvious ambiance nature provides us, there is layered imagery that we can learn from.
This season is a time of preparation for new growth. Old leaves fall so that new and stronger ones can come back in their place. It’s a time of “self-pruning” so to speak. We are enamored with the beautiful colors spread across the landscape, but behind the scenes there is something even more beautiful happening. These trees are becoming better – naturally. Removing waste. Parts that aren’t working as well anymore, parts that are ugly, parts that were used for a purpose and no longer needed…it’s all part of the process. Setting themselves up for the spring bloom that with will bring a strong vibrant green to the palette.
For the folks up north, maybe this isn’t such an exciting time considering this is the beginning of a long stretch of bleak, cold, and soggy weather. (Echos of “winter is coming” are heard on repeat throughout the land…ha!). Even so, the fact remains the same – old things fall so new things can rise up. The process just varies in time depending on the conditions. Luckily in South Florida winter is approximately three days long. And if you blink, you can completely miss “fall”, so we don’t have to be very patient to experience the reset of green.
I think if we take a step back and reflect on that idea, we can see the seasons in our own lives where we have shed away something old to create something new. It’s the natural way of life. As we grow and develop, chapters come and go, and we gain experience. Sometimes we improve, others we just stop doing useless things. As mentioned in previous posts, these changes aren’t always so obvious, and it takes effort to recognize and appreciate the differences – just like the process behind the process referenced above.
We are all growing. In all aspects of our lives we are learning, changing, and hopefully improving. It’s easy for us to feel like we are the only ones who are struggling or fighting or even caring, but that simply is not the truth. If we lift our gaze, we can see all the falling leaves around us. Not every tree is the same and some shed their leaves in different seasons or days, but overall, every single one will eventually come off the tree.
Every year, droves of travelers seek to appreciate those fall views. To catch a glimpse of the changing colors on the countryside. To snap that perfect shot to frame or post online somewhere. Imagine if we showed that same appreciation towards each other in our seasons of growth? Recognition that there is hard work going on and that the results are noticeable. To highlight them at the perfect time. Wouldn’t that be amazing? Unfortunately, that takes practice and looking out for el numero uno is a hard habit to break!
This season, I challenge you, as well as myself, to appreciate the falling leaves around us. Look at your significant other, your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors and search for the areas that you see them changing. If it’s a positive growth, highlight that! Call out the improvement and let them know you see it. If it’s a negative shift, then get in there and build them up. Coach them through the “winter”. It may be cold, but it doesn’t have to be lonely. See them through that time and then celebrate with them when they make it to the other side.
Maybe this analogy is lame to some, but I find it inspirational. As someone who is always looking to improve, it helps me to know that it is a continual process and one that is not unique to me. I find comfort in knowing that others are in that process at my side and that we are in this together.
-Mitty