Seasons Are Part of Nature’s Growth Process
“You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of.” — Jim Rohn
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but…maybe it’s you?
Just because you’re in a tough season of life does not mean your life is over. It does not mean that you’ve lost your way, lost your power, or lost your touch.
It’s important to remember that seasons are part of nature’s growth process, in addition to the universes. They cannot be skipped or sped through — and that’s the main point.
I’m aware that the second half of 2019 has been a particularly tough season for me recently. Especially for my parent's health challenges. My mom went through finding out she had breast cancer months back, to radiation treatments most of the summer and fall.
Next, my dad just got his right knee replaced the first week of November. He has a long rehab and physical therapy road ahead. Thankfully, his early retirement will help out. Needless to say, it’s been tough for me to accept and take on this year, especially as their only child.
One of the reasons I’ve not been on social media or have been keeping much to myself recently is because I needed time to retreat, learn from my mistakes, and most importantly, move on and grow. I needed time to heal and deal with personal items at first. My relationship also needed quality time to grow, mature and blossom.
My perception of self needed to be reevaluated. My vision and dreams for my life also needed adjustments along the way. Remember, planning for 2020 doesn’t start on December 31st or January 1st. It starts now!
The latter half of the year was one of those uncomfortable growth stages that everybody goes through because I’m certainly not the only one. Things felt unpleasant and sickening for a bit. Unless it’s important, I usually don’t have much to say. So I didn’t say anything.
I stopped talking to some individuals. I stopped posting and engaging as often as I did in the past. I stopped working out as disciplined as I was. I ignored my friends. I didn’t say as much to some of my family members. I didn’t give the usual energy I needed for my partner. I didn’t always communicate with my business partners. I was making a lot of excuses in my head. Therefore, I went inside.
Many people, “entrepreneurs” and “influencers” maintain a façade on social media that would have the world think we are always happy, fulfilled, successful and crushing it 24/7/365. That’s not reality nor is it sustainable long term. And, I don’t believe it’s healthy to pretend or “fake it until you make it.” It’s better to face life head-on and deal with your problems as opposed to masking them, drinking away sorrows or doing drugs to hide in another universe.
In my “position,” I believe the pressure is even stronger to project an image of constant positivity or optimism because I’m aware that people look up to me and follow me. I never want to let anyone down. However, my first responsibility will always be to myself and my family. That’s where my values align and connect.
I’ve accepted and have taken the last few months to honor the changing of seasons in my life. In the autumn of my soul and being, old ideas, ways of thinking and attachments are dying, which is making way for new potential, growth, abundance, and opportunities.
So, if you’re also going through something right now, take heart and inventory of it. You are not alone. You are seen. And, you are heard.
Honor the challenging times in your life just as much as you’d celebrate the joyful moments or accomplishments. Don’t be afraid to retreat. Just don’t stay there long. And, don’t criticize yourself for taking that time to reflect and heal. At least when it hurts, you know that you can feel something.
Chances are you’re learning a shit ton more when times are challenging than you are when everything feels right or is going according to plan. And most importantly, learn to appreciate the contrast between the highs and the lows. These peaks are here to teach us some of the most valuable lessons in life.
Wisdom is formed in that valley. It’s just a season, and it too shall pass.
My Very Best,
Donovan E. Vogel
