Life is better above the clouds
Photo taken by the author
“Autumn… the year’s last, loveliest smile.”
– William Cullen Bryant“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”
– F. Scott Fitzgerald
Change, or any kind, big or small, is never easy for anyone to deal with or to go through. Even those who admit that change comes easier for them also struggle with it, even if only adopting its new arrival. This is because the very word ‘change’ gives evidence that something will soon be different, once again. In one way, the suddenness of a change requires learning new things and developing new habits and routines. The change itself is a time of letting go of what had previously existed and opening one’s mind to what inevitably is ahead.
For myself, I find change to be difficult and even unnerving, at times. It feels like just when I have become accustomed to something and have gained some familiarity with, I then find it ripped out suddenly from beneath my feet, whereby leaving my feet with seemingly nowhere to land. I seem to have a love-hate relationship with change. I enjoy seeing the new horizons that have opened up when going through a particular change as well as the momentum that is gained, even if only within myself. However, it’s the upstart I am not particularly fond of a new and decided upon change. Something I recently learned about myself is that I don’t like surprises, and a change feels like this: a big, sudden surprise. At first it catches me off-guard, until the apparent shock has worn off and the new change has had a chance to form its new course.
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
– L.M. Montgomery
Of all places, nature seems to have the most consistent change amongst us; namely, in the changing of the seasons every year. A change in the seasons is evident here in YYC from summer to fall. I have been in the denial stage of this season’s change but have slowly moved myself to the acceptance stage with autumn’s approach. Recently I have begun to think about this change in a different light. Instead of thinking about all the fun times from the past summer months or the cold, damp weather that is soon to encamp around us, I have been thinking this change also means there are innumerable opportunities in this new season, that may not otherwise would have been presented to us.
So, instead of dreading the onslaught of (yet another) winter wonderland, let’s embrace this new change and take in the glorious season that fall distinctly offers: the beautiful array of colours as the leaves on the trees change from an emerald green to a strikingly yellow, vibrant orange, and crisp red. Let’s take time to remember the awesome, fun memories we made during this past season of summer, enjoy getting back into a routine, as well as having fun getting into ‘learning mode,’ as school is back in session, so we might as well learn something new for ourselves by creating our own classroom. As well, this season may just be an opportune time for you to begin or try a new sport or hobby that has held an interest with you for some time.
“How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.”
– John Burroughs“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.”
– Emily Brontë
Of course, I would rather be where the sun is shining, the lush, pure colour of green is everywhere I look, and with the clear, blue sky prominently on display above. But, I am also looking forward to the many opportunities that are in anticipatory waiting to be fully discovered and realized. And who knows, this new mindset might even make up for the low quantities of Vitamin D I’ll be receiving!
Dwight Van Middlesworth 