Seasons of Life: Embracing Change and Growth
- Debra Anson
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
Life, much like the natural world, unfolds in seasons. Each season brings its own rhythm, challenges, and opportunities for growth. Recognizing which season you are in can help you respond with intention, patience, and self-compassion.
Spring – Planting and New Beginnings Spring is the season of possibility. It is a time to plant seeds, start new projects, or cultivate new relationships. Just as farmers sow seeds in the fertile ground, we are called to plant ideas, hopes, and intentions. For example, starting a new job, exploring a new hobby, or building new friendships can all be acts of “planting” in your life. In this season, curiosity, courage, and openness are essential.
Summer – Growth and Action Summer represents growth, energy, and activity. This is the time to nurture what you’ve planted, to put in the hard work and dedication needed to see progress. For instance, if you began a fitness journey in spring, summer is when you show up consistently to exercise and build strength. If you started a new business or creative project, this is the season to refine, expand, and take bold steps forward. Summer asks for focus, perseverance, and celebration of progress along the way.
Autumn – Harvest and Reflection Autumn is the season of harvest and gratitude. It’s when the seeds you planted and nurtured come to fruition. This could mean achieving a personal goal, completing a project, or deepening a meaningful relationship. Autumn also encourages reflection: What worked? What didn’t? What lessons can you carry forward? Like falling leaves, this season is also about letting go—shedding habits, relationships, or thoughts that no longer serve you, making space for what comes next.
Winter – Rest and Renewal Winter is often misunderstood as a time of stagnation, but it is a season of rest, reflection, and preparation. Just as the earth rests and regenerates under a blanket of snow, we too need periods of stillness. This might be a time to pause from career ambitions, focus on self-care, process grief, or simply recharge your energy. Winter is a reminder that quiet and patience are essential for long-term growth, and that even in seeming dormancy, transformation is happening beneath the surface.
Embracing the Seasons Each season of life requires different skills, attitudes, and practices. By recognizing the season you are in, you can respond with grace rather than resistance. Life’s transitions—whether joyful or challenging—are all opportunities for personal evolution. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter are not just cycles of nature; they are reflections of our own inner journeys.
Questions to Reflect On:
What season of life do I feel I am in right now?
What am I being called to plant, nurture, or release during this time?
How can I honor this season rather than resist it?
What lessons from past seasons can guide me in the present one?
How can I prepare for the season ahead while fully engaging in the one I’m in?
Remember, every season has its purpose. Even moments of challenge, uncertainty, or stillness are part of the greater rhythm of growth. Embrace each season with patience and trust—the harvest will come.
Looking for some help exploring the season you are in? Let's talk.
Debi Anson LCSW CAADC
616-268-2787
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