🎙️ Ready to spark a transformative shift in your life? On the latest episode of the “Thrive Podcast Network,” Leslie Johnston and Morgan May Treuil dive into “What Needs to Die + Everything Fall” (EP27). Join them as they tackle the urgent need to let go of people-pleasing behaviors, explore seasonal mindfulness, and discuss the exhilarating new beginnings that autumn brings. Discover Morgan’s shocking TikTok obsession with “creamy keyboards,” and Leslie’s unexpected love for making returns. This episode doesn’t just talk change—it will challenge everything you know about personal growth, spirituality, and embracing the cycles of life. If you’re ready to embrace fall as a time for deep personal transformation, this episode is your must-listen. Don’t wait—your fresh start begins now!
Embracing Fall: Spiritual Growth and Authentic Living Amid Seasonal Transitions
Discover how seasonal changes can mirror our spiritual journeys and inspire personal transformation.
Fall is often seen as a time when nature slows down and prepares for the rest that winter brings. But it’s also a season filled with vibrant colors, cozy gatherings, and opportunities for fresh starts. Embracing these seasonal shifts can mirror our spiritual journeys and inspire personal transformation. As the leaves change and we swap summer shorts for fall sweaters, there’s an invitation to reflect on God’s work in every season of our lives.
A Season of Change and Renewal
Fall’s arrival signals more than just pumpkin-spiced everything. It’s a visual reminder that change is necessary for growth. The falling leaves, the crisp air, and the harvest season all point to a cycle of death and rebirth. Just as the old leaves make room for new growth, we, too, must let go of certain aspects of our lives to make space for God’s new work.
Reflection on Ecclesiastes reminds us that there’s a time for everything – a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot. These words encourage us to embrace the cyclic nature of life. Understanding that every season is temporary can free us from the pressure to force change prematurely and lead us to trust in God’s timing.
Finding Joy in Tradition
Embracing fall also means diving into traditions that bring us joy and strengthen community bonds. Whether it’s baking a favorite pumpkin square recipe, decorating a home with cascading pumpkins, or delighting in fall and winter fashion, these rituals anchor us. Fall holidays offer a unique sequence of celebrations that enrich our lives—Halloween’s whimsical fun, Thanksgiving’s heartwarming gratitude, and Christmas’ profound significance.
However, with the holidays come increased family time and, often, heightened comparison. While being close to family should lift our spirits, it can also trigger feelings of inadequacy. This proximity highlights what we perceive as our shortcomings against others’ milestones. Yet, viewing comparison through the lens of gratitude can transform these negative feelings into a deeper sense of appreciation for God’s unique work in our lives.
Overcoming Comparison with Gratitude
Comparison isn’t a seasonal issue; it’s a human one. But it’s exacerbated in the fall and holiday seasons. Comparing our lives to those around us can rob our joy and contentment. Instead of letting these feelings take root, practicing gratitude can shift our perspective. Keeping a gratitude journal or consciously turning moments of envy into prayers for others’ successes can dismantle the power of comparison.
Being intentional about gratitude doesn’t always come easily. It requires a decision to focus on the positive aspects of our own journey rather than envying the paths of others. Recognizing that everyone’s journey is fraught with unseen struggles can help foster empathy and build community rather than division.
Living Authentically Amid Peer Pressure
Fall invites us to slow down and reflect, making it an ideal time to consider how we can live more authentically. This can be especially challenging for those prone to people-pleasing. Feeling the urge to seek universal approval often leads to compromising one’s true beliefs and values. Understanding that we are not sustained by others’ approval but by God’s grace frees us to live more genuinely.
In any season, but particularly when engaged in close-knit community gatherings, recognizing the tendency to morph into what others expect can be an impetus for growth. Balancing the care for others’ feelings with staying true to one’s identity takes mindful effort, but it is a journey worth embarking on.
Spiritual Reflection and Mindfulness
The fall season also prompts deeper spiritual reflection. Embracing every sensory detail of the season—from the smell of a bonfire to the feel of a soft scarf—can evoke powerful memories and emotions. These sensory experiences remind us that God is intricately involved in all aspects of our lives. By being mindful, we can appreciate how even difficult times have contained moments of beauty and growth.
Reflecting on past seasons can reveal the depth of God’s faithfulness. Recognizing that every high and low has played a part in shaping who we are today can instill a deep sense of gratitude. Rather than longing for a season to pass or forcing a new one to begin, we can learn to value the present and trust in God’s perfect timing.
Stepping Into New Growth
A tangible way to prepare for new growth is by examining what needs to die in our lives. Identifying negative habits or attitudes that stifle our progress is essential. Just as nature sheds old leaves, we must let go of behaviors or mindsets that hinder our growth. This could involve breaking free from people-pleasing tendencies, reassessing our responsibilities, or realigning our priorities with God’s will.
Letting go doesn’t mean abandoning our responsibilities but rather delegating wisely and allowing room for others to step in. This shift can be invigorating, offering a clearer path for the new growth God intends for us. Incorporating gratitude and mindfulness into daily routines can ground us in these efforts.
Building Community Through Connection
Fall is an invitation to deepen relationships. With more time spent indoors, there’s a natural opportunity to connect deeply with friends and family. Hosting book clubs with soup dinners, enjoying intimate conversations, and starting discipleship programs like “Rooted” can foster a sense of community and spiritual growth.
Encouraging personal development amidst social gatherings can lead to profound transformation. Engaging in activities that enrich us spiritually or emotionally while nurturing our relationships allows us to step into the fullness of what the season offers.
Embracing Life’s Seasons
Every season of life has its purpose and significance, much like the cycles of nature. Embracing each one with openness allows for continuous growth and change. Understanding that God is at work in every moment reassures us that our current state is part of a greater plan. Fixing our eyes on Jesus rather than on others’ lives centers our focus on what truly matters.
As we transition into fall, let’s embrace the opportunity for renewal and reflection. Let’s appreciate the divine purpose in the changing seasons and trust that God’s work in our lives is continually unfolding in beautiful and unexpected ways. Through gratitude, authentic living, and building community, we can navigate this season with grace and hope, ready for the new growth that awaits.
Remember, the cyclic nature of life is a gift. Each season, with its unique challenges and joys, is a step in the ongoing journey of personal and spiritual transformation.