On my walk today, I began to consider wellness and how it relates to the seasons. Currently, the leaves on the trees have turned from vibrant green to multiple shades of yellow, orange, and red. It occurred to me that the trees are transitioning to let go of their leaves and prepare for the coming winter season. Fall seems to be a season of transition; just as spring is a season of transition. Fall transitions into the stillness and chill of winter and spring transitions into the vibrancy and warmth of summer. Fall is one of my favorite seasons; I love the colors, the smells, and the warm coolness of the air. What I usually don’t like about fall is the reminder that it brings, of the fast approaching winter that seems to last entirely too long. Don’t get me wrong, I love the holidays that we celebrate during the winter season; I also love looking out at the majestic beauty of the snow glistening on the trees and the warm blanket that I would probably be snuggling under to keep warm. The parts of the winter season that are difficult for me are the sense of death that I see in the trees as they stand without their covering of beautifully colored leaves, the brisk coldness in the air that keeps me from my regular nature walks, and the emotional down-ness that is caused by my lack of fresh outdoor air. In considering these ‘obstacles’ for the quickly approaching winter season, I decided that it’s time for a new take on an old thought. As nature prepares to transition into winter, so can I. I can start taking small steps to ensure that this winter; and the coming winters, will look differently with a wellness perspective instead of a perspective of dread of what’s to come with the obstacles of snow, cold, and ice. Burrrrr!

I don’t want to look at this with the thought that I am going to be ‘healthy.’ The word healthy always leads to the thoughts of “I have to eat good-for-me foods and exercise like a mad woman.” No, I am going to start with a thought; and maybe a question. In my desire to reach wellness as a whole person; body, mind, and spirit, I know that my behavior starts with a thought so I want to focus on how I think about God, myself, and others. In the transition from the warm vibrancy of summer to the cold stillness of winter, this fall I am going to focus on a few Scripture verses that bring life to my mind and my heart. I have chosen Psalm 46:10, Romans 8:28, Proverbs 3:5-6, and 1 Corinthians 15:57. My nature walks are difficult in the winter because of the cold; however, for my body, mind, and spirit to be well it is vitally important that I spend at least some time outside in nature; I will commit to do this as the weather permits. For the part of focusing on others, I have began to set up times to spend with friends. For most people this doesn’t sound like a big deal; however, for this extreme introvert, I assure you that it takes much intentionality for me to do this because my natural self is quite content to stay in my own home, in my own little bubble. Please don’t get me wrong, I love people and I enjoy being with them; it’s just not part of my natural bent to always be with others.

In a world where we are always running 90 miles an hour with our hair on fire, you may think that there should be a list of steps that I will take beyond what I have already shared. Well, I was tempted to go that route because I am a task-oriented person; but Holy Spirit in me says, “No.” Baby steps forward are much better than giant steps forward only to fall backwards because I am trying to do too much too quickly.

I pray for you whole-being wellness!

Psalm 46:10 NIV

 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

1 Corinthians 15:57 VIV

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:28 NIV

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

#BabySteps #TransitionIntoWellness