Don’t Fight the Weather

I believe that our growth follows the seasons—our bodies and our emotional and spiritual journey.  A more accurate way to put it would be that I have observed that my growth follows the seasons.  It is a belief because I have noticed the pattern over the years.  

This is not a concept that I have given too much thought to, and I have not outlined any specifics.  I could not provide a well-informed lecture on the subject.  

I have noticed that I tend to take inventory and reflect in the fall.  In the winter, my inclination is inner work and planning.  In the spring, I naturally take action.  Spring cleaning happens quite literally and includes my habits.  Summer is filled with all types of growth due to the preparation done in the other seasons.

This is not to say I go dormant in the winter and recess into deep thought void of action.  But the type of action I take tends to be of the variety that takes time to germinate.  The leg work is non-glamorous and focuses on projects that I hope will pay off later.  For example, I did all the tedious work on the backend of creating a website and developing a network to introduce my writing to the world in the winter.  Maybe this spring, it will grow.

“Don’t fight the weather,” is an old farmer saying.  I have found it extremely useful when taken literally. For example, digging post holes is much easier after rain.  Splitting logs is better done when it has been dry (wet wood doesn’t crack in half as easily).  And when it is currently pouring rain, it is an excellent time for those indoor projects.

I benefit from taking this as a guide for the rest of my life.  I have noticed much focus put on getting things done—all the time.  This is a matter of course, streaming from all types of media and social influences.  There is a big push to be the alpha.  To get up earlier.  I often see advice to ditch friends and hustle.  

I think it's great to get things done, to attack those things that I may not feel like doing, but I know I will benefit from and feel better about myself if I do them.  However, that is different from working against the “weather.”  I will always have a to-do list.  I will not always have young children that want to spend time with me.  I am in an extraordinary season of life right now.  Fighting the weather would be neglecting that it is time to play.  The person who put out the motivational post that sparked a fear of missing out within you may be in a very different season of life than you are now.

I have learned to trust my instincts more.  Sometimes my gut has run counter to what would be considered the logical course of action.  Later down the road, it became clear that trusting my intuition was the right call.

I still get up early.  I like to watch the sunrise, and I find that getting a jump on things sets up a pattern for the entire day, but I am not rigid in this.  I do not work against the flow to force what I have determined must happen.  Lots of frustration lies down that path and is usually directed at the loved ones that seemingly interfered with my agenda.

In truth, they were guiding me back to my true path.