It surely took some time, but summer has officially arrived in the Netherlands.
And boy, did I need that!
The long wait made me reflect on the seasons and how they impact our lives.
I realized that just like the Earth goes through summer, autumn, winter, and spring, our lives also have their own seasons. We experience these cycles repeatedly, each bringing its challenges and emotions.
Transitions are universal to both nature and humanity, however, it's essential to recognize that our personal cycles may not necessarily be aligned with nature's ones.
As one season fades into the next, we have the opportunity to learn, grow, and embrace the continual change that life offers.
Acknowledging and accepting that our lives have seasonal cycles, and that we can't always be in a state of growth and flourishing can lead to incredible personal growth and a deeper appreciation of our life's journey.
Let's dive into the seasons, starting with summer:
Summer - time of full glory
SUMMER is a period when flourishing is at its most glorious peak. We thrive and experience fun, pleasure, enjoyment, and satisfaction. It's a happy and relaxing time when cultivating and savoring positive emotions comes easily. Typical events that create the summer experience include marriage, births, landing your dream job or getting a promotion, graduation, and vacations. We tend to socialize more, be more active, and spend more time outdoors.
Autumn - time of detox
AUTUMN is a time of transition when we let go of what no longer serves us. This might mean releasing toxic relationships, leaving a job that makes us miserable, or moving into a new place. It can also be a time to break bad habits like smoking, unhealthy eating, or doomscrolling. Letting go can be daunting and may bring about feelings of loss, worry about the future, and even an identity crisis. Finding comfort in change, believing in its positive impact on your future, and practicing gratitude, can help during this time. Consider also creating a morning routine to provide even more grounding during this phase.
Winter - Time of introspection
WINTER arrives when things go wrong or spiral out of control, bringing negative emotions like sadness, fear, despair, or worry. It's a period of introspection and a slower pace, often marked by experiencing hard life lessons and adversity. This might involve personal struggles, such as relationship difficulties, illness or losing a loved one, or professional challenges, like job loss or business struggles. We usually have less energy and are in need of more rest, which can evoke feelings of isolation. Our resilience is tested. Seeking support and putting things into perspective can help us see the big picture and assess the situation differently.
Despite its challenges, winter can result in rebirth, leading to growth and self-development.
SPRING - Time of flourishing
SPRING comes when we recover from the hardships of winter. It's a time of positive transformation, growth, self-discovery, and flourishing.
Just like sprouts emerging from the ground, we start healing and moving beyond the suffering we've just endured. We take action and are able to see new opportunities.
It's a time for learning from the past, taking risks, and cultivating optimism.
Seeking guidance and support can be helpful as we navigate our new beginnings.
We tend to believe our lives should constantly be in a state of spring, marked by growth, or in summer, filled with happiness and satisfaction. However, that's far from the reality. Seasons of loss and rebirth are inevitable.
As in nature, winter is an essential part of life, and without it, there will be no summer.
We will all experience difficult times, whether we like it or not.
One thing we always have control over, is how we respond to these challenging periods. This control is our power, and it can make a significant difference in how we navigate these seasons.
Recognizing that challenging times are unavoidable and even necessary, and remembering that they do not last forever, will empower us. We can cultivate resilience and prepare ourselves by reflecting on actions we can take to shorten the winter and lessen the impact of negative emotions.
So if you're living your spring or summer at the moment - enjoy it to the fullest, savor the beautiful moments, and cultivate resilience to prepare for the other seasons ahead.
If you're experiencing autumn or winter right now, start by embracing the life lessons you're facing. Prioritize self-care actions like exercising, talking to close friends, and engaging in your hobbies. Practice self-compassion and take intentional steps to create positive emotions such as joy, pride, and gratitude. These positive emotions will buffer against the negative ones and gradually boost your resilience.
Wherever you're in your life's cycle, know that you're exactly where you need to be right now, and it's all part of our human experience. I am currently experiencing a long winter season, facing challenges in different aspects of my life and dealing with negative emotions such as sadness, grief, and fear. And though I don't enjoy it, I know it will also pass and the season will change.
As said the philosopher Henry David Thoreau:
"Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each."
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