I am originally from Nashville (yes, the heart of Country Music… always everyone’s first question) where Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter are always fondly received.
But I currently live in Florida -and have for most of my life-, where our four seasons (Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer and Next Summer) are not always as fondly received.
To the northerner, Florida is heaven. But for us locals, Florida is a 365 day sauna. I know some Floridians who would argue with me saying “it’s paradise year-round here!”–but that’s not my take on it.
I actually had a salesman call me the other day and ask if I heat my pool with gas or electricity. I asked him if he realized he was calling Florida. He said “yes” and I replied, “I never heat my pool… ever. Florida’s average low is 78 degrees, but thank you for calling.”
We have raised all three of our children in Florida, and as much as it pains me to say it, I’ll probably die here. I’m pretty sure they’ll live here the rest of their lives too. But just in case they one day decide to pick up and leave, I’ve always told them that I’m going wherever the grandchildren go. Haha! In other words, I’ll follow them!
So what in the world is my point to all this?
Seasons.
Enjoyable or not, each of us go through seasons throughout our lives.
If you are struggling today, know that you’re in a season of life. Each one of us faces hardships, but it’s those who understand life’s seasons that are better able to overcome the pain, disappointment and anger that they go through.
Those who experience success also understand that life has seasons. Great entrepreneurs prepare for the day that their booming success transforms into a season of famine the same way nature prepares for winter. And nature, like those who prepare ahead when times are good, does not fear winter. It knows that spring always follows.
Today doesn’t have to dictate your tomorrow. Just like spring replenishes the earth after winter, when you embrace the present, life will give you a spring- a time to replenish yourself. When people don’t embrace the present they don’t recognize spring when it arrives. All of life feels like Florida… a year-round heat wave.
Don’t fear the season your life is in today. Spring is just around the corner. And when it gets here be ready to embrace it.
You are never alone in any of your seasons unless you choose to be. But choosing to struggle alone can turn inward and cause you anxiety and depression. Seek help. Talk to someone and if you cannot find someone you trust, email me. I’m glad to listen and help any way I can.
Lynn@LynnBryson.com
#smallsteps
Leave a Reply