Fall Gracefully: Leave the Tree
What do squirrels and trees have in common? They both prepare for winter.
Squirrels suddenly abound in September and October after taking a siesta in the latter part of the summer, readying themselves and their nests for the winter. They furiously gather nuts and things to “squirrel” away food for the winter days in which they cannot forage. They fill trucks with 158kg of black walnuts and eat their fill of nuts and seeds to fatten up.
Trees, specifically the deciduous varieties, begin their leaf colour change in late August, early September as the light lessens and the days/nights cool down. Eventually in October, they drop their leaves entirely, readying for their winter sleep and leaving the branches so the new spring leaves can sprout.
But what does that have to do with us? We don’t hibernate or sleep all winter.
Fruit and vegetables become abundant around late July & into August, for the most part, so we too, “squirrel” away our harvest for the winter.
We ferment, dehydrate, can, and freeze vegetables and fruit; we make jam, applesauce, and cranberry sauce.
We prepare special spaces for potatoes, carrots, onions, winter squashes, etc. We don’t need to fatten ourselves up for the winter like animals do; however, we do need to prepare for the winter in other ways.
We bring in firewood to keep us warm, bring out the sweaters, mitts, hats, jackets, gloves and boots and put away all the warm weather clothing. We take stock of what food we have, what clothes we need, what supplies we need.
Out come the snow shovels and car window scrapers.
I often put a small box with a few non-perishable/non-freezable food items, a flashlight and extra batteries, a blanket and a sweater in the back seat of my car, and fill up my first aid kit. I already have water with me whenever I go anywhere in my car so I might even bring an extra bottle (even if I leave it in the car overnight, frozen water can be melted in not too long a time and is better than no water at all).
I do believe however, that we can take a lesson from the leaves on the trees.
Christian Scriptures tell us that “there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens: …a time to plant and a time to uproot; … a time to tear down and a time to build …” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3, NIV)
I think the leaves of trees give us a very, very good example of this very thing.
Mentally, relationally, spiritually, fiscally, and physically the fall, in particular October, is a time to take stock.
Are we happy with our careers or retirement?
Are our finances where they need to be in this last quarter of the year?
Do we have all the skills and tools we need to move forward? What do I want my life to look like going into the new year?
I will be spending more of my time indoors with the people closest to me; am I prepared to be the person I need to be to keep my relationships healthy?
Is my faith strong and able to withstand inconveniences that crop up; do I doubt myself in times of trials?
The leaves on the trees know instinctively when it is time to let go and leave the tree. It is not the same date every year. Sometimes it’s earlier and sometimes it’s later. Depending on the tree, sometimes it happens faster or slower. Leaves do not judge other leaves if some stay on the tree for a longer period of time. Some, never leave the tree (stay away from trees that still have their leaves in winter, during a storm as this is an indicator of an unhealthy tree and is more likely to come crashing down)
Sometimes we need to let go of the many things that are holding us back. But we need to know when to hang on, and when to let go. When to build and when to tear down. The winter is a slower paced time, a quieter time. A time for taking stock.
I have coached and mentored individuals, and facilitated small groups for over 30 years. I am a strong proponent of walking the walk and talking the talk. When I know something works, I like to pass it on to others!
Join me in a workshop, the week of November 15, 2021 to take stock to help you make decisions to finish off the last quarter of this year and get a jump start on 2022.
Go to heatherlynnecoaching.com/workshops for more information and to register for “Fall Gracefully: Leave the Tree”
About Heather O ‘Reilly
I have coached and mentored individuals, and facilitated small groups for over 30 years. I am a strong proponent of walking the walk and talking the talk. When I know something works, I like to pass it on to others!
Join me and start your journey to spark meaningful change in your life. Discover new strategies and develop good habits by registering for our upcoming workshops at heatherlynnecoaching.com/workshops