I believe that the beginning of fall is marked by a holiday rather than a date on the calendar because growing up in the South taught me that white shoes were not to be worn after Labor Day. We live in a society that dictates activity cycles beginning in September and ending in May. Are you like the young woman who commented that it is difficult to believe that September is here? Or are you like the father of three teenage girls celebrating the opening of school? Labor Day is a benchmark holiday that finalizes summer and brings us into a new season. Fall is a transition time that is symbolized by the changing of the leaves, cooler morning air, football games, an increase in traffic, and the end of daylight savings time. Whether you have a child entering school for the first time, someone leaving for college, or are simply looking forward to the smell of wood burning in the fire place, Labor Day has passed and Fall is upon us.
Human nature creates dissonance and resistance to change. Seasonal transitions, schedule changes and life’s daily challenges may leave you feeling out of sorts, discombobulated, if you will. Adults and children alike are affected by seasonal transitions. As activities and responsibilities increase we may find ourselves feeling overwhelmed with more options of ways to fill our time than hours in the day. Our emotional tanks, just like the gas tanks in our cars, sputter when we do not refuel them.
One way to enjoy life in the midst of change is to acknowledge that transition and change deplete our physical, emotional and spiritual resources. We feel excitement, fear, grief, wonder, overwhelmed, exhaustion, happiness, and more.
Use these tips to help make a smooth transition into this exciting new season:
Take care of the physical self of you and your family
- Exercise daily
- Limit TV and computer time
- Get plenty of sleep
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet
Take care of the emotional self of you and your family
- Meditate
- Read motivational literature
- Journal
- Make eye contact with your family members
- Hug and kiss your children and your spouse as much as possible
- Give your children and spouse your undivided attention
- Plan family activities that require relating with one another
Take care of the spiritual self of you and your family
- Pray
- Read inspirational literature
- Attend a church that expresses your beliefs
- Let Go and Let God.
Remember: “Times of transition can become times of profound inner transformation if you open yourself fully to the experience at hand, difficult as it may be. For in the process, your spirit, your very soul will begin to expand, to stretch forward and ultimately to soar, with utmost grace, into new heights of insight, wisdom, compassion, immense tenderness and gentlest, yet greatest strength.”
