Thriving in a New Season
Ecclesiastes 3:1
For everything, there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.
As we approach fall and winter, have you ever considered the seasons of your life and how they change? We prepare for the seasons of the earth by switching our wardrobes, pulling out blankets, and stocking the pantry, but do we also prepare for the seasons of our lives?
The days are getting shorter, and while I’ll miss the vibrant flowers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs that brightened my summer, I find something deeply comforting in the return of cozy blankets and the familiar weight of my favorite sweater. I’ve switched my bedding to a warmer set, folded away the summer linens, and cleared the flower beds, readying everything for winter.
There’s a rhythm to this seasonal preparation that I find grounding—a chance to reset. And for those of us in Memphis, who isn’t glad to leave behind that relentless summer heat?
May Today be Peaceful
Now, here we are in November, and today is Election Day. Regardless of how you voted, I hope you found time to make your voice heard. Quite frankly, I pray for peace in our nation and the world. But as I’m writing to you today, I’d like us to step back from the noise and focus on our lives in quieter, personal seasons.
Prepare for Each Season
I feel a shift with the cooler weather, almost like a gathering in. My pantry is filling up and stocked with everything I need for holiday cooking (you should see it!).
Thanksgiving is the favorite holiday in our family, a holiday focused on food, family, and gratitude without the frenzy of gifts. We love it for that simplicity. My niece Jennifer and I start exchanging recipe ideas every year, dreaming up the flavors we’ll bring. (By the way, I sent out a family alert—if anyone finds wheat Chex, grab a box! They’re scarce, and my high-end Chex mix depends on it.) My niece Alison and I are planning the concerts we will see. Yet another niece, Amber, and all the others are planning our night out to see Dickens’s Christmas Carol…our annual tradition.
Between holiday planning and resetting my outdoor studio for bird migration season, I enjoy watching the birds come and go, capturing their beauty with my camera, and being part of this quiet cycle. It’s slower than the summer rush, but the work feels intentional and connected. Preparing for winter keeps me grounded in the natural world, reminding me each season has its purpose.
What’s Next for You?
Just as the seasons of the earth shift and change, so do the seasons of our lives. Aging brings new rhythms and transformations—our bodies change, careers evolve, and children grow up and leave the nest. Each stage invites us to reflect and prepare for what’s next. So, as you stand at the edge of this new season, ask yourself: Are you caring for your body, nurturing your mind, and laying the groundwork for a secure financial future? Are you eating well, staying active, resting, and strengthening your connections? These small, intentional steps can make all the difference in navigating what lies ahead.
The truth is, we don’t know exactly what each new season will bring. But just as we know spring will eventually follow winter, we can trust that our lives will continue to unfold in ways we can’t fully predict. Preparing now—through thoughtful self-care, maintaining our social circles, staying engaged mentally, and planning for our future—will help ensure that we’re not only ready for the next chapter but thriving in it. So, what are you doing today to ensure the coming years are filled with strength, grace, and fulfillment? The season you’re in now can be a foundation for the rich, meaningful seasons yet to come.
A Season to Reflect
And this season, more than any other, invites us to reflect. Just as trees shed their leaves, we, too, can let go of what no longer serves us. It’s the perfect time to cozy up with a book to think about where we are and where we want to go next. (Confession: I have a thing for winter pajamas—nothing beats the comfort of a soft, warm set on a chilly night!)
So, as we embrace this new season, let’s take a moment to prepare, not just for the colder days but for what’s ahead in our lives. What might you let go of? What do you want to hold close? As you ponder your answers, I hope this season brings you peace, warmth, and a renewed sense of purpose.
So, here’s to November—a time to reset, reflect, and prepare for what’s next. Let’s use this season to turn inward, find comfort in the familiar, and stay open to new possibilities. Who knows? By the time the holidays come around, you might just find yourself living a new story of your own. (I know I’m excited to see where my journey will lead.)
What’s your favorite part about this time of year? Do you have any go-to traditions that help you settle into the season? Whatever it is, I hope it brings you warmth, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Let me hear from you!
Book Season Has Begun
Fall is the perfect time to dive into a good book. As the air turns crisp and the leaves fall, something about the season invites reflection and renewal. It’s the ideal moment to cozy up, slow down, and explore new ideas. For me, it’s time to organize my loungewear (no judgment). I love my winter pajamas. Whether rethinking your next steps or looking for inspiration, fictional and real books offer the perfect nudge to reinvent yourself and move forward.
Fiction can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, offering a fresh perspective on life. Stories like The Midnight Library or Olive, Again, show characters navigating change and finding strength, reflecting our journeys.
If you’re more of a non-fiction girlie, don’t worry—plenty of great reads are out there to fuel your reinvention journey. Books like “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero, “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown, and “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle offer practical advice, inspiration, and the kind of honest reflections that can spark real change. These books dive deep into self-discovery, courage, and living authentically perfect companions for anyone looking to rewrite their story.
Another idea? Gather a group of friends and form a reinvention book club. Pick a book a month and create a social gathering around it. I’ve read some of these with my book club friends, and it’s been an incredible way to hit the critical areas of reinvention—ongoing learning, socializing, and shared growth. It’s fun to discuss how these stories resonate with our lives.
So, here’s to fall and winter —a time to turn the page and start a new chapter. Let’s embrace it fully, one story at a time. And who knows? By December, you might be living a new story of your creation. (I know I’m excited to see where my story takes me next.)
Fiction Books
- “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig explores the idea of parallel lives, allowing the protagonist to experience different versions of her life and see how small choices could have changed everything.
- Brit Bennett’s “The Vanishing Half” is about twin sisters who live very different lives. It explores themes of identity, race, and the impact of choices on one’s life.
- “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho – A fable about following your dreams and the personal journey toward discovering one’s true purpose.
- “The Authenticity Project” by Clare Pooley is a novel about a notebook that encourages people to share their most profound truths, leading to unexpected transformations in their lives.
- “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio is a touching story about a young boy with facial differences who navigates school and teaches others about empathy and kindness.
- “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant is a novel set in biblical times. It tells Dinah’s story and highlights women’s strength and resilience in a male-dominated world.
- “Olive, Again” by Elizabeth Strout—This novel continues the story of Olive Kitteridge as she navigates aging, loss, and the complexity of human relationships.
- “Still Me” by Jojo Moyes – In this novel, Louisa Clark moves to New York City and embarks on self-discovery and reinvention.
- Anne Tyler’s novel Ladder of Years is about a woman who walks away from her life and family to start anew. It explores themes of identity and self-reinvention.
- “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah is a novel set during World War II. It follows two sisters in Nazi-occupied France and showcases their courage, resilience, and transformation through adversity.
Non-Fiction Books
- “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert – A memoir about self-discovery and personal transformation through travel and introspection.
- “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero – A guide to embracing your true self and creating a life you love.
- “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed – A memoir of self-discovery and healing through a solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail.
- “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown – A guide to embracing vulnerability and living a wholehearted life.
- “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle is a powerful book about breaking free from societal expectations and embracing your true self.
- “The Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes – A memoir about saying “yes” to challenges and reinventing oneself.
- “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert – A book that encourages readers to embrace creativity and live a more fulfilling life.
- “Rising Strong” by Brené Brown – A book about resilience, overcoming setbacks, and transforming your life.
- “Reinventing You” by Dorie Clark – A practical guide to reinventing your personal and professional life.
- Martha Beck’s “The Joy Diet” offers ten practices for bringing more joy and meaning into one’s life.
Get ready for all the seasons of your life, especially the season you are in right now, and plan for the next. Let me know how you’re planning for all the seasons of the year and your life.