Everything seems to have its season. Like the trees letting go of their leaves so they can survive the rigorous cold of winter, so we too have our times of change to cope with. Change comes with many different faces and expressions.

A friend is going through the process of preparation of transition with her 99 year old mother. Another is dealing with being laid off of work within a few days. Still another is preparing for the birth of a baby daughter within just a few weeks. And there are so many more people I know of who are dealing with their own individual stages of change. Each of them must handle their circumstances, recognizing that letting go of what has been, sometimes grieving in the process to prepare for the unknown of the future, is a challenge

Change isn’t always a joyful happening. However, if we can be present with where we are, acknowledging what is unfolding before us, we then can make the process of letting go and moving forward a bit smoother.

Here are some suggestions that I try to employ as I evolve through this experience of life. Perhaps they will help you.

1.) Be in the moment. If you are feeling in the dumps, don’t run from your feelings. Find a quiet place where you can nourish your mind and spirit with music, read an inspirational book, perhaps even write in a journal everything you feel. Sometimes it is good to be with a friend or even call them on the phone. These feelings you have are real and before you can let them go and make space for joy you need to make peace with them

2.) Be aware that change brings opportunities. Many of them that we otherwise wouldn’t consider. If we don’t recognize that change frequently creates voids in our lives so we have room for new experiences, one can feel very alone. To understand that these alterations will broaden our horizons, talents and expression can bring a sense of freedom that opens our world dramatically. The old adage that you can’t put new wine into old wineskins still holds great truth.

3.) Be patient. Are you loving and forgiving with others? Don’t forget to be that way with yourself. After all you deserve kindness and thoughtfulness just as much as anyone else.

4.) This too will pass. Like the four seasons of each year, we cycle and recycle life’s experiences. Just think of the stories you will be able to share when you are one hundred and twenty years old.

5.) Be grateful. This month holds precious the holiday of ‘Thanksgiving’. We should honor and respect the wonderful abundance in our lives, appreciating and sharing with others our sincere recognition of our many freedoms, opportunities and the ability to express our individuality in our own unique way.

As we enter into this holiday season, I invite you to ‘let go’ of whatever no longer serves right purpose or place in your life and ‘let in’ what does. Flow with lifes’ dance of new steps and you’ll design a whole new style of living that will be an statement of your true self.

Donna Seebo