Jeff’s Journal
By Jeff Whitaker
As we move deeper into autumn, the days are getting cooler and the colors around us are changing. If you have children in school, hopefully you’re getting more settled into a routine. We’re in a new season.
Some people love the change of seasons, while others fight it. “Take me to Florida, or somewhere warm, and plant me permanently,” some say. Personally, I love the change of seasons. I’ll admit that when summer ends, I shed a tear and lament a bit over how fast it went. However, I love Fall. I find redeeming value in every season. There is always something to celebrate, appreciate and enjoy.
It’s like that in life as well. We have seasons in our lives like the seasons of a year. Some seasons are more enjoyable than others. All too often we wish a season we are passing through would just end. At other times, maybe we wish a season never ends. The challenge is to find something to celebrate and find value in every season of life.
I admit that it’s easier said than done in many cases. However, it can help if you hang on to these three concepts when you are in the midst of any season, good or not so good:
Seasons are part of life. No matter how much we try to avoid change or new seasons, they happen. I know it helps me to know that seasons do not last forever. When something negative is happening, that is an encouragement to keep in mind. When great things are happening, it’s a reminder to soak it all up and enjoy.
Our attitude plays a huge role in how we navigate a season. Unlike any other life-form, we humans have the ability to reason. We can control the way we respond instead of just instinctively reacting to conditions in our lives. A positive attitude in the middle of a challenging situation goes a long way.
Look for the lessons. By nature, I am an optimistic person. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t have my days. We all do. Luckily, I’m pretty quick to snap out of it. I evaluate every challenge or obstacle I face. I want to learn from each of my seasons. My goal is to come out on the other side better for having gone through it. Ask yourself questions about the seasons you find yourself in. Use the season as an opportunity to grow as a person, and focus on what you learned in that period. Find the redeeming value in it.
Seasons are inevitable. We can either embrace them or fight them. I choose to embrace each season. I hope you will too. Until next time, let’s go out and make a difference.
Jeff Whitaker is a veteran broadcaster here in South Jersey. He now draws on his experience and training to work with companies and individuals to develop effective storytelling, communications and leadership skills. Find free resources and ways Jeff can work with you at jeffwhitaker.com
