Daymaker - a person who performs acts of kindness with the intention of making the world a better place.
~ David Wagner
, author of Life as a Daymaker; how to change the world by making someone's day ~

DayMaker - any thought, word, or deed that spreads happiness, compassion, or fruitful ideas.
~ Annis Cassells ~

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Living the Seasons


Bern, Switzerland 2012


“All seasons have something to offer.”  Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle

Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring. We can count on the seasons like clockwork to follow each other. We can compare and predict. “It’s going to be a harsh winter.” Or, “We had no Spring—went right into Summer.”

Life’s seasons, though, are non-linear. They may be sudden and random. And we can never predict their duration. The seasons become a metaphor, a symbol, for how our lives play out.

With the seasons of the year, we know what to expect. Every school kid knows the rotation as the seasons influence the curriculum. Elementary school students may visit a pumpkin patch or farm to buy anticipated jack-o’-lanterns. They often re-enact the story of the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving, then make paper snowflakes to paste on their windows. Later in the school year, as Spring approaches, they may plant small classroom gardens.  Lessons in any subject may be enhanced by incorporating the seasons.

But with regard to life’s seasons, within days or even hours, we can experience every one. They often catch us by surprise, and though we deal with them, we may not see the seasons as a metaphor right then. That insight comes later, upon reflection.

Summer – When we are carefree and relaxed, when experiences, people, and places are welcomed and enjoyed.
Fall – We’re in contemplation and preparation, harvesting ideas or gathering things we’ll need to carry on. Or move forward.
Winter – Which we find challenging, even difficult, yet filled with blessings. Blessings that we may not see until Spring.
Spring – The season that always follows winter with light and new life, with hope, renewal, and possibilities. We catch our breath and consider the wonder and blessings Winter provided.

Life’s seasons may change as often or as fast as the Santa Ana winds. We wake up in Summer – all is great and we are happy. Life is going our way.  Within hours, there’s a SNAFU and we feel the ice of Winter. Then we’re in Fall as we react, marshal our resources, figure out a plan and begin executing it. Sometimes, we must develop alternate ideas before we reach Spring. But soon Summer is on the way again, and we bask in its goodness. 

There’s no prescribed time for moving through Life’s seasons. But, if we recognize them and realize they will change, we can endure and grow. We understand we don’t have to languish in Winter. We know that as night follows day, the Spring will come.


14 comments:

  1. Yes, every season all in one day. Choose to be happy. xoxo

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    1. Absolutely -- a day full of seasons and choices. Thanks, Karen. xoA

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  2. How I needed your perspective and your flow of words. Thank you, dear Annis.

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    1. Thank YOU, Ida Jo. Glad to be here for all of us. xoA

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  3. I was in a similar mood this week when I posted my own blog post: the contemplation of the seasonal shift, the turning inward that winter brings, how we find light again in the season of darkness. Piling all the seasons into one day (moods, life) - that's got me thinking!

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    1. Thanks, Kathleen. That's why we have The DayMaker. Hugs, xoA

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  4. I love living in the mid-Atlantic area where we experience all 4 seasons, and none too drastically. There is beauty even in the city and all it takes is a short motorcycle ride into the country to appreciate fully our colors changing now, and the new blooms & rebirth of Spring.

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    1. It's beautiful out there! Sylvia, I'm fondly remembering the fall we visited you. Enjoy the seasons! Hugs and thanks, xoA

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  5. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  6. I tend towards living in winter and have to bring spring to my soul every day. Just now winter in winning, but it won't for long. Blessings on you for your words.

    gramswisewords.blogspot.com

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  7. I tend towards living in winter and have to bring spring to my soul every day. Just now winter in winning, but it won't for long. Blessings on you for your words.

    gramswisewords.blogspot.com

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    1. Great attitude! Thanks so much for reading and writing. xoA

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  8. So true and such a helpful metaphor to pack into my coping toolkit. Thank you, Annis

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    1. My pleasure, Susan. I have found this to be true over the years. Thank YOU for taking the time to read and comment. xoA

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