“If you feel stuck, move. You're not a tree.” ― Germany Kent
George has always been radically honest in these episodes when we talk about topics that evoke feelings of confusion, aversion, or frustration. For example, when I first handed over the outline for our episode on self-care, he admitted that he was unsure about the topic and where it was going — even though he trusted my vision for the conversation.
Now, it’s time for me to pony up and do the same. When George Slacked me early last week (on Tuesday at 3:31 p.m., to be exact) that he wanted to have a conversation about the seasons of life.
🌶️ Spice up your inbox: Subscribe to the Beyond Your Default newsletter
Specifically, he said he wanted to talk about:
“Being comfortable with the understanding that seasons change. Life changes."
As I read those words, I could feel a physical response in my body, and not a particularly pleasant one. Of course, whenever that happens, I've come to realize that my discomfort is a sign that I should lean into whatever is making me feel emotionally chaffed.
The term “seasons of life” sounds so romantic, gentle, and downright poetic. But the passage of time, the changing of seasons in our own life – when we notice them – can feel jarring, confusing, or even upsetting. That's why this week's conversation was so powerful, even if it did make me squirm in my chair.
⚡ Go Deeper: What does it really mean to possess a healthy growth mindset?
Yes, accepting, navigating, and celebrating our different seasons of life can lead to personal growth and happiness, but doing so is not without its hurdles. So, in this episode, George and I explore the challenges people face in accepting and celebrating the different seasons of life and provide insights on how to shift thinking around this concept.
As we also openly discuss the challenges we've faced in accepting the seasonality of our own lives, we also talk about the benefits of leaning into this discomfort, and what makes this type of thinking so worth it. Remember, so much of this comes down to trusting yourself, so you can make room for new experiences and growth in each season of life.
Takeaways + Highlights
- Life is made up of different seasons, each with its own purpose and lessons.
- Change is constant, and it is important to embrace and learn from each season.
- Struggles and discomfort are often part of the process of growth and transformation.
- Understanding and embracing the seasons of life can lead to personal growth and happiness.
- Challenges in accepting and celebrating seasons of life can arise from a fear of change and a desire for things to stay the same.
- Shifting thinking around seasons of life involves recognizing that change is a normal part of life's rhythm and finding comfort in the knowledge that tough times are temporary.
- Embracing the seasonality of life can bring benefits such as finding joy in the present moment, learning from experiences, staying hopeful, and discovering one's purpose.
- Reflecting on past seasons and the lessons learned can provide insights into personal growth and shape one's identity and direction in life.
Questions We Discuss
- What the heck prompted George to bring up this conversation?
- When we say "seasons of life," what does that really mean? Are there different types of seasons we should be thinking about?
- In what ways have we struggled to either acknowledge or accept this idea of seasons in your life?
- When did your attitude shift about the seasons of life?
- Why do you think others may struggle to accept or celebrate the seasons of life?
- What are ways in which others can shift their thinking around them?
- What are the benefits of embracing this mindset of seasons?
- What is one question you should encourage our listeners to challenge themselves with as they go through this upcoming week?
Letting Go Quotes
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; 7a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
“Even seasonal situations can bring with them lessons that last a lifetime. If the love doesn’t last, it prepares you for the one that will.” – Mandy Hale
“There is a season for everything under the sun—even when we can’t see the sun.” – Jared Brock
“If you feel stuck, move. You're not a tree.” ― Germany Kent
“Times of suffering will come, use them. To grow into a better version of yourself. Use the dirt to grow flowers. Let the storm water them. Watch them grow in the sunshine." ― Eric Overby
“Spring and summer are the ones that want winter to come the most because spring and summer owe their beauty to winter! Don't be sad when winter comes to your life, those winters will make your spring and summer more beautiful!” ― Mehmet Murat ildan
“In life, we need to go through a naked tree season in order to turn nothingness into meaning.”
― Luis Enrique Cavazos
Related BYD Episodes
- Blessing Bombers and Getting What "You Deserve"
- Genuine Positivity vs. Toxic Positivity and the Movement to Criminalize Emotions
- Adopting an Owner's Mentality in Your Own Life
- Fact vs. Fiction: What Is a Growth Mindset, Really?
- Victim vs. Victor Mentality: Knowing + Living the Difference
- How to Set Healthy Expectations that Cultivate Growth, Confidence, + Self-Trust
- The Power of Language: Choosing Your Words to Shape Your Destiny
