What Does The Fall Season Represent ?

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Hello and Good Day! Hope You have been doing well and enjoying each day.

Thank You for taking a moment out of your day to stop by ‘Terry’s Thoughts‘ I always appreciate You!

We are to be in the onset of Fall. However, the past few weeks in Indianapolis we have been experiencing the heat of summer all over again with extremely hot, dry days -and- not enjoying our early Fall weather we normally receive… I believe it’s been about 12 days since we had (any) rainfall -and- the yard is looking a bit strained. I hope this extremely hot, dry spell does not impact the beauty of our Fall season.

We can only hope we receive our nice Fall weather to enjoy the beautiful Fall colors before the season leaves us! A reference to Fall I read somewhere; “… the trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go.”

I have been experiencing (strong) reminders from several areas over this past year of my ‘Encore’ to remember the importance of letting go of (whatever)… to be present and focus primarily on what is in front of me. Resist the impulse to add judgement or speculation on top of what we might be dealing with. Dealing with, ( whatever IT may be), alone is sufficient.

A very good Friend, (Ron Smith), informed me of a book to read; ‘From Strength to Strength’ by Arthur C. Brooks. Definitely a book to add to your reading list. Brooks examines our two phases of life and provides an understanding of how the two phases of life unfold in front of us; how they work, until they don’t. Ultimately, Brooks provides invaluable insight on how to reach that level of happiness in the second half of our life.

There were many “ah-ha moments” for me in (his) book. One of the more significant for me; “when You are honest and humble about your weaknesses, You will be more comfortable in your own skin.” This insight leads into a realization of understanding the “falling tide of life.” The falling tide is a secret to ocean wishing from the shore line. It’s when the tide is going out fast. As Brooks describes, “… it appears counter intuitive because You see the water rushing out and assume the fish would be going out as well. However, this is when the plankton and bait fish are all stirred up, making the game fish crazy and looking to bite everything.”

From one end comes another beginning, nothing lasts forever—nor would we want it otherwise. Instead, we need to accept the natural state of change in our life, if not embrace it. It is OK to accept that none of us maintain anything forever. Instead, we are transitioning, always—some quickly, some more slowly.

It is important for us to continue looking forward, pulling ourself towards the more positive episodes/moments in our life — towards the next thing, never stopping, using all of it. We must look for the energy and also to create energy in the process. It can become easy during this ‘Encore’ phase to just give in to our human nature to settle in, (not that there is not anything wrong with settling in vs. maintaining the craziness of the hussle-bussle of every day life).

As with the Fall season, everything is colored with a kind of dying. Everything is a phase, including the life we’re lucky enough to live right now. And, as I previously noted; “… the trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go.”

We admire the beauty of the Fall colors each year -and- yet, we forget this phase is about the trees shedding what is important to their life for a moment and rejuvenate to bring back their beauty in the Spring.

A reminder maybe to just be true to yourself,  be true to the purpose You have, fight for the respect (and praise) of yourself and not be concerned about the future.

BE YOU. Be the only one of You in the whole world. That’s where the fun is (You don’t have to fake anything). This is where your value lies, (when we are like everyone else, we are replaceable). Embrace who You really are. Embrace what makes You unique. Embrace your weirdness. Because chances are it’s what makes You special.

This time of our life we have a unique opportunity to continue examining a deeper look into ourself… we have the time since we are no longer pre-occupied by the office and driven by others’ schedules. Let this time in our life serve as a gentle nudge, reminding us of the preciousness of every moment. Let it urge You to not merely exist, but to truly live, to seize each season of life and find what is your full potential during this ‘Encore’ phase of life. Don’t allow each new season to come and go without recognizing that Spring will return and we must look forward to “springing forward” and making something of it.

The emperor and stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius wrote: “…even life itself, is really ours only in trust. We are renters. Our lives are here on loan…loans that can get called in at any time. We can be fired. Someone can dislodge our seemingly dominant market position. A loved one can leave. People die.”

Just try to be good. Focus on the day in front of You. Live it well, live it according to your values and accept the gifts we receive in our life.

Please continue to make the most of each of your days -and- remember;

NEVER QUIT SEARCHING, NEVER SETTLE, NEVER GIVE UP SEEKING YOUR GREATER PURPOSE