Choosing Life in Every Season

It has been more than a month since I have written, posted, or shared anything via social platforms. How is everyone doing out there in virtual land? I pray well! A lot has changed in more than a month!

Mental Shift

Let’s start with mentally. I’ve been on the roller coaster of ups and downs. I found myself in such a space that even my usual outlet—writing—didn’t seem appealing. If you know me, you know writing is one of my fondest forms of relief. But what do you do when even your “go-to” doesn’t work?

At first, I slipped down that very familiar road of annoyance, frustration, and self-pity. It was a quick walk, but thankfully, the U-turn of “this isn’t the answer” set me back on track. I chose to yield to what I know works: prayer, meditation, and gratitude. In doing so, I realized the unwanted mindset I was in wasn’t caused by anyone or anything else—it was a cycle I had created. That recognition was humbling, but also freeing.

So where do I stand today? Well, the fact that I’m writing this post proves I’ve chosen to move out of that draining headspace and into positivity. The timing feels perfect with the new season on the horizon. Autumn—or as it was once called before the 1600s, Harvest—is near, and I’m welcoming it with open arms. The word Harvest struck me deeply, because after a time that felt so empty, I’m now choosing to see this next season as a time to reap the positivity that’s been sown.

Physical Shift

I’ve also been walking through physical changes. As a woman over 40, my body has been doing things it has never done before. Some of you reading this can probably relate, while others may laugh and nod in knowing agreement. And to the younger women reading, your time will come too—and I say that with hope, not dread.

I noticed shifts in my body and emotions that at first confused me: my midsection growing, my moods swinging, my tears flowing more often than usual. But after talking with women wiser than me and slowing down enough to listen, I began to see that these changes don’t have to be daunting. They can be embraced. And when embraced, they can actually teach us how to care for ourselves better.

For me, that looked like intentional self-care: long warm showers, walks outdoors, savoring good meals in the fresh air. And most recently, I did something bold—I chopped off my locs. After four years together, my heart was leaning toward a fresh start, and I finally followed through. It was liberating, like the outward expression of an inward reset.

Closing Encouragement

So here I am, choosing to step into this new season with openness, gratitude, and courage. If you’ve been feeling stuck, blah, or weighed down, let this be your reminder: life is really what we make it. God has given us the gift and responsibility of choice. We can choose life or death—not just once, but day by day, even moment by moment.

Today, I chose life. And I pray you will too.

Until the Next Time,

Love,

Mel