I took a hike in Wolsfeld Woods last weekend. All of the gorgeous maple leaves that had been on display on my late October hike were now on the ground, drying and crumbling beneath my feet. And though I miss the colorful wonderland I saw just a couple of weeks ago, I am embracing the idea that
This is the Best Season
because this is what is, now.
Many of the tall oak trees in Wolsfeld Woods still hung onto their leaves. The oak treetops stood out in colors of russet, gold, and bronze. I had not realized how many oak trees were interspersed among the tall sugar maple trees there. But over the weekend the oak trees were the stars of the woods, standing out along the lake and paths that I hiked.
Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn,
a cool breeze in summer, snow in winter.
If your mind isn’t crowded with ten thousand things,
this is the best season of your life.―
When I first entered the woods I was glad that I knew the paths because everything was so deeply covered with leaves. I could see no difference between the path and the rest of the woodland floor.
Can you see where the path lies in this photo?
Sometimes my life feels a little like the woods did last weekend. The path is sometimes not clearly visible. But I trust that there is a path and take the next step on my journey wherever that leads me. Things that I choose often turn out different than I expected but if I am open to learning what life wants to teach me I find hidden gifts even in difficult times.
I was talking with a new friend about how I found some challenges in a new activity I have begun and she made me laugh when she said, “We used to say this all the time at work to one another — Sounds like another f-ing growth opportunity.” Yup, too true!
Book Talk
I picked up the first print proof of my book Friday! Holding the pages in my hands was both satisfying and disappointing. As a looked through the pages and read the words I had written I began second-guessing myself. But this morning when I picked up the pages again to proofread and make sure the prints matched up with my vision, I was able to let go of the second-guessing and simply appreciate what I am creating. The book is almost finished. I did it. It’s not perfect but it comes from my heart.
Hoping that as the gray days of November continue that you too find that whatever the season, whatever the weather, this is the best season, because it is what is happening now in this moment.
May you walk in beauty.
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