Motherhood in the Midst of Changing Seasons
The dawn of fall has graced our town these past few weeks, its canvas of leaves painting the mountainside in stunning arrays of golden yellows, rich reds, and luminous oranges. I’ve noticed pumpkins making their appearance on front porch steps, sparking curiosity in my boys about carving traditions and upcoming festivities. Our mornings now have a gentle chill, prompting the need for more than just summer attire, though I find myself stubbornly clinging to my T-shirts and flip-flops, yearning for the warmth of the sun and the relaxed ambiance of carefree mornings. I wonder at my own own reluctance to wholeheartedly welcome the evolving seasons, and as I wrap my heated blanket tighter around me while writing this, I’m reminded that I never stowed it away when summer arrived in the first place.
One particularly crisp morning, I ventured onto our front porch, deliberating on the day’s attire, however the infectious laughter of my boys playing in the nearby park caused me to pause, and observe from my vantage point on the steps.
There was one son, audaciously wearing shorts and a T-shirt, with his coat billowing like a cape as he pushed his brother down a grassy hill on a winter sled. The other, dressed as if in anticipation of a snowstorm - complete with a snowsuit, pom-pom hat, and mittens - sat with an air of expectation, hoping for more excitement from the hill than the season would permit.
Their spirited antics brought a warm smile to my face, their contrasting attire painting a picture of the delicate dance between cherishing the past and embracing the forthcoming. A lesson I’m still learning.
To me, holding on, is the tender embrace of the past, a clutching tightly of our memories, a protective instinct perhaps, or a fearful resistance to the winds of change. I see it in my reluctance to allow summer to morph into fall, my unwillingness to see childhood morph into maturity, and my lack of winter attire in a closet full of summer clothes when the first frost hits home.
Letting go, on the other hand, or surrendering even, is a bold acknowledgement of life’s transient nature. It’s a lesson illustrated by the red maple leaves that descend and nestle the base of our tree year upon year. It is the releasing of my clenched fists to open hands, ready to receive the gifts of each fleeting moment motherhood has to offer.
Time seemed to warp, and in what felt like mere moments, my sons, with rosy cheeks and an earthy scent, were back, their conversation effortlessly transitioning from biking trails to eagerly anticipated snowy slopes. But what stirred me most from my reflections was their laughter. It echoed with hope, joy, and unbridled happiness - a potent reminder of the profound joys nestled within life’s simplest moments. It was my invitation to dance in the ever-present, to sway a bit more between holding on and letting go of each passing season with grace and love.
How do we navigate the ephemeral moments of childhood and motherhood? How do we gracefully maneuver the many paths life presents, releasing and embracing each one as they come?
***
Here are a few contemplations from my own journey:
Be Present in the Now | Each day provides an opportunity to truly be present with our children. I've found that starting my mornings with writing and carving out moments for exercise, even during their sports sessions, replenishes my spirit. It allows me to be truly present, my thoughts uncluttered by the day's demands. Schedule those precious family times—whether it's a simple game night or an evening read aloud — put it on the calendar. Allow connection to take precedence over rigidity.
Delight in their Passions | Whether it's the charm of snails or the thrill of sledding, children have a unique way of immersing themselves fully in their interests, don’t they? Dive into their world. For me, it often begins with a library trip, exploring topics of their fascination. It's a journey of connection and discovery for us both. Have you ever delved down the path with them? When you delight in your child’s interests a connection fuses more solidly between two souls.
Celebrate Growth | Rejoice in their milestones. For me, this meant confronting my fears on challenging ski terrains, ensuring I can keep pace with their evolving skills by joining my own ladies ski group. We grew, we learned, and we celebrated achievements on the slopes—together.
Treasure Memories | Seek those pockets of time for shared adventures. Balance the art of capturing memories with the essence of living them. For me, this involves a delicate dance between photo taking and savoring the raw, unfiltered moments of our life. Sometimes treasuring memories means skipping a soccer practice in favor of a local hike or saying no to a swim meet in order to take a trip out of state.
Cultivate resilience | Equip our children to face life’s uncertainties with strength, by modeling the behavior. Show children self-care, discuss the impact of hurtful words, and practice confronting bullies through role-play. Use daily experiences as teachable moments and strengthen emotional bonds by weekly journaling with varying prompts.
In this season may we all find the grace to hold on to what matters most and the courage to let go when the time is right, to relish the laughter, and to dance joyously in the ever-present tapestry of our lives.
