The Seasons of You: Identity and Growth Through Nature

By Sally Luehman – Blog #4 Inspired by Joanna Gaines/Magnolia Journal, Issue 13 | Resolve - 12/30/2021

As the year draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on how to convey my New Year’s message. This morning, at 6 a.m., as I sat with my freshly brewed coffee on a quiet winter morning, the message became clear to me.

My three sons are home from college for their winter break. For the past week, as I wake each morning, I can’t help but notice that a light was left on all night and the kitchen looks like a war zone. I remind myself that this, too, shall pass, and soon they’ll return to school, continuing to grow and become more aware of the world I’ve lived in for 49 years.

Lately, I’ve been waking up very early, especially if I go to sleep thinking about the next day. It’s like I set my brain to turn on at whatever time I choose the night before. So, this morning, it was a 5:30 a.m. wake-up call. I love waking up when it’s dark and quiet—before anyone else is awake—so I can think and prepare for the day. As I sat there, coffee in hand and a stack of magazines by my side, I decided to quickly flip through them before they found their way to the trash. One article stood out: it was about how the seasons symbolize different stages in life, written by Joanna Gaines.

The article described Spring as a symbol of authenticity, with blossoms representing beauty and who we are at our core—deep-rooted, waiting to be unearthed. Just like each blossom, we are all different and beautiful in our own unique way.

Then came Summer, representing freedom. Summer is abundant with fruits, an opportunity to run, dance, and celebrate. For 90 days, we chase the summer sun, embracing the abundance and joy that comes with it.

Next, Fall was described as wholeness. The season reminds us that beauty exists because of the life and death of the seasons that came before. The experiences we live through—both good and bad—remind us of the importance of each season of life. In Fall, we recognize the richness of our stories and how they contribute to our sense of wholeness. It’s a time to be thankful for both the births and deaths, the turning of the seasons that refresh our souls as we enter winter.

Finally, Winter is the season of resolve. This is the time we surrender to the stillness, holding onto the growth of the past seasons, anticipating the light that will return in Spring to renew us. Winter is about resolving to become our true selves again.

As I write this, my goal is for you, the reader, to reflect and learn more about yourself. Think back over the past year, keeping these seasonal themes in mind. Did certain moments stand out? What events, big or small, helped shape who you are today? Take a moment to reflect on the year as a whole. What were the standout songs, books, movies, travels, or tastes? What surprised you? What was the best part of your typical day? What was your greatest adventure? Did you experience failures, and what did you learn from them? What energized you, and what drained you? Did you make an impact on your own life or someone else’s?

Looking ahead to the new year, reflecting on the past is important, but it doesn’t dictate what’s to come. We are the creators of our own future. We make the map and take the journey, no matter where we’ve come from.

It’s clear to me now that where I choose to go is up to me. I’m careful not to carry past fears with me, like unnecessary baggage. I make sure to pack only what I need for the journey ahead. Like cleaning out old luggage, I leave behind anything that holds me back. Every moment is a choice, and each step moves us closer to where we want to go. Just as the sun rises every morning, we, too, can rise with purpose.

We are all connected to the universe, living within its rhythms. I plan to be more mindful of these seasonal cycles and use them to guide me on my journey. The light will show the way—especially when it’s been left on all night. And yes, life might feel like a war zone at times, but we can take comfort in knowing that just like the seasons, we can change. How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.