The Best Way to Be in It Is to Be in It

On changing seasons and the art of becoming

We often associate life transitions with major events like marriage, divorce, a career change, or moving to a new city. While those certainly qualify, I want to introduce the idea that we are transitioning much more often than we realize.

Think about it. Fall is here! The weather is changing, our schedules are adjusting, and we’re preparing our homes and wardrobes for the colder months ahead. Even if nothing major has happened in your personal life, you’re still making adjustments to accommodate the season.

You are already participating in a transition!

What does this mean for our personal lives?

Just as we don’t need our entire winter wardrobe ready on the first day of fall, we don’t need every detail of our lives figured out before we begin making changes.

One of the concepts I’ve been exploring is the relationship between natural momentum and intentional momentum.

Natural momentum is the change already happening around us. Seasons change, relationships evolve, and responsibilities shift. Intentional momentum is what we create through our choices and actions.

For example, the temperature dropping is natural momentum. Deciding to organize your closet and adjust your routine is intentional momentum.

The same applies to our personal lives. We may not control every change, but we can choose how we participate in it.

How can you embrace your current season?

I love a good planner and setting goals, but intentional living doesn’t always require a complete life overhaul. Sometimes it’s taking a walk, making room for a new habit, allowing yourself to rest, or choosing a different response to a familiar situation.

Here are three things to consider:

• Recognize what’s changing. What adjustments are already happening in your life?

• Create intentional momentum. What’s one action you can take to support yourself through this season?

• Give yourself credit. Acknowledge the progress you’ve already made, even if it looks different from what you originally planned.

One thing I’m learning is that I don’t want to spend so much time preparing for the next chapter that I forget to enjoy the one I’m currently living.

The best way to be in it is to be in it!

We don’t have to wait until January or a major life event to begin embracing our next era. The idea is to become more thoughtful about how we participate in the life we’re already creating.

After all, we’re always becoming something. Why not be intentional about it?