Which Season of Life are: A Guide to Personal Growth
Why oh why is my life not like hers? Or his? Or theirs?
I’ve been there. I am there. I will be there again. The biggest lesson in life is knowing the cycle of it all. In my early twenties, most of my friends were studying and crunching numbers to buy the next bulk Ramen that would last them until the next pay day. Of course, if you glance into the life of someone who decided to be an entrepreneur at 17 reaping the fruits of their labor, then you’ll wonder why your life sucks while their life is flourishing.
Life is full of seasons. Where someone may be thriving, you might not and and vice versa. Life isn’t always on a high but you have to learn how to read the signs. If you happen to be in any one of these four seasons then here’s what you need to do.
1. The Calm and Quiet Season
The calm and quiet era is a time for reflection and planning your next move. While I’m on my journey of living in France full time, I have had my share of quiet eras where I have to buckle myself in for a very boring ride. If you're planning a move or living abroad, I highly recommend using Wise for safe and easy international money transfers.
For someone like me who can't spend more than a week at home, this quiet period can feel depressing. Yet it's necessary to buckle down and focus. If you're always saying "yes" to others, this is the time to say yes to yourself and no to everyone else. When I was in America for 9 months planning my departure, every day felt like a slow-ticking clock. Without money to see friends, I felt isolated from everyone. But it's crucial to view this time differently—if you've spent most of your life being busy, this is the reset you need to create a new game plan.
Don't waste this time wallowing. Even if you're tempted, you've got things to do and goals to achieve. There's no time to waste—meditate and plan your future. Don't let FOMO distract you.
Personal development is always a key factor in life. When is it time to develop? Honey, it's always time! Learn trading, marketing, journalism, teaching. These days, education doesn't have to break the bank. There's plenty of free learning out there—you just need to reach out and grab it.
A time of reflection, introspection, and planning is characterized by:
Reduced external commitments
Space for contemplation and meditation
A Focus on learning and personal development
Setting intentions for the future
2. The Busy and Hustle Season
This season feels like a sprint and you’re working double time to try and get everything together. You may want to rest and calm down but you have to keep going all the time. This is a season to get organized because right now, life is taking up all your time and you’ve got to be intentional to set aside time for yourself.
You need energy in this season. When I lived in Houston, I was always on the go and to keep up with my busy life, energy was a must! So, what did I do to match my energetic life? Exercise! It is so important to be active. If you live in a car based society, then you know that you have to be intentional when it comes to activity. I joined a gym and had a friend that I went with a few times a week. Even if you can’t join a gym, home exercises work wonders for you.
This season, opportunities are left and right you have to know how to grab onto them. Being busy presents you with many interactions. During my busy season, I met many people who gave me opportunities. I hosted a radio show and even started a clothing line at the time. Though these were not lasting opportunities, they were opportunities to say the least.
Take the chance to send out some emails and rework that plan! you’ve got this.
A period of intense activity and productivity, marked by:
High energy and motivation levels
Multiple projects and responsibilities
Career advancement opportunities
Building and creating
3. The Self-Care Season
You’ve been working hard but have you been taking care of yourself? There comes a season when you take a good look at yourself in the mirror and realize you’ve been walking around with dry skin and frizzy/oily hair for weeks. Its time to rejuvenate. Get those nails done and invest in some products to help you look and feel good.
Recognize that in this time you have to take extra care of yourself. (Just like periods).
Self care doesn’t always have to be materialistic, but it could be ending toxic relationships and getting out of your comfort zone. Self care is taking a good look at your life and seeing what needs to be improved by addition and subtraction. Journaling is imperative to keep track of those feelings and milestones.
Here are some journaling ideas to help you with self care:
How do you physically feel on a daily basis? Are you tired often? Hungry? Low on energy?
What does your diet look like? Could you stand to eat more/less?
Do all of your friendships/relationships help you and heal you?
Are you getting enough sun/vitamin D?
What can you do to improve your life right now?
How does your hair/skin look? Are you nourishing your body on the outside?
Your past does not define who you are today. It has helped shape you become the person you are, but you are not a slave to the past. Sometimes you need to recognize things that have been holding you back and you know how to do that? You find patterns and acknowledge the pain.
You know those small winces you make when you want to complete a task, but leaving your bed to do so feels like ripping off a band aid? There’s something behind that. You owe it to yourself to uncover the root and solve the problem. Sometimes, self-care includes asking for help—whether it's learning a new language or picking up a new hobby. With Preply, you can start today with an expert tutor who fits your goals and schedule.
A crucial time for replenishment and healing, featuring:
Priority on physical and mental health
Establishing healthy boundaries
Addressing personal needs
Healing from past experiences
4. The Care for Others Season
Sometimes the light doesn’t always shine on you. There are periods where you have to put others first and that even means taking a step back from personal goals. This period is focused on giving and nurturing relationships, including:
Supporting family and friends
Community involvement
Mentoring others
Building meaningful connections
In this season you can practice selflessness. It’s time to be a giver to others and that could come in many forms. In life, you will be presented with moments to help others whether that be your friends, family, or strangers. If you find yourself in this season, you may feel a bit frustrated that you have a lot of investment in someone else. This, like others, is a season and it doesn’t mean that it will last forever. You have to sometimes put yourself to the side to help someone else in need.
You have to be careful in this season to realize who to help and who not to help. Some people will take advantage of your generosity and want to shame or guilt you for doing less. You have to evaluate your feelings and be sure to pray for discernment to know when you have to assist and when you have to walk away.
Recognizing Your Current Season
Knowing what season you’re in allows you the freedom of understanding. In fact, it helps you to stop fighting the current for a while and accept what’s in front of you. If you’re upset that you’re not following your dreams because life has been dull, you realize that you can use this time for self improvement and much needed rest for the busy season- Just like the seasons of the earth.
In this space now that you have the tools to recognize which season is which, you are more likely to handle the seasons with care and delicacy accordingly.
Understanding which season you're in helps you:
Align your expectations with reality
Make achievable commitments
Give yourself grace during transitions
Plan for upcoming seasons
Take Away Trail
Every season serves a purpose, and none last forever. Embracing your current season while preparing for the next leads to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Be kinder to yourself. Help where you’re needed and rest when you can. Embrace the business and take care of yourself.
Join the Trail
Everything starts with YOU. Begin the journey to creating your trail.
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