How many seasons will we each go through?
No one ever really knows…we have seasons that seem to come as quickly as they came and others that seem to last forever. Some seasons we never imagined that they would come and yet they end up changing us forever. Even others come and we do not realize the impact they leave until something years later, triggers a memory.
Our lives are built on seasons — the coming and going of people, events, and places.
We are surrounded by the will of time and the never-ending moments that have been captured in those seconds and minutes. And although our path may seem unknown at the time, somehow we know it is where we are meant to be. We are infant, then young, then adult, and finally old.
But the kind of seasons I am talking about do not have to do with age, but more about the experience of life instead and the lessons it brings along the way.
We can shift from one season to another, but these will always go in this order:
The season of Conformity:
During this season, we are following instructions and learning to listen to directions. We are discouraged from thinking outside the box, creating something new, or coloring outside the lines. There are rules that must be followed — regardless if we understand them or not.
The season of Confusion:
Life gets busy and we are responsibility-driven, but also hear the voice of our heart too. We are unsure which one to listen to and practicality and logic have become our sounding board. But we also are being called by our soul and our purpose as well.
The season of Choice:
No matter how long it takes us or where we are at the time, we will come to a point when we have to decide. Others may never understand the agreement we make with ourselves, and yet we know we cannot live any other way. It becomes not just something we believe in, but something that must be done.
The season of Clarity:
After it is all said and done, everything that doesn’t matter seems to have faded away and the only thing that remains is what should be there. And without really trying to focus on your purposeful life, it has become very clear that this is the ONLY life you should live. You begin to understand the struggles you faced and the failures you endured…you begin to accept the role you now must play and the people you will impact…you begin to use the talents and skills you never really knew existed.
The season of Calm:
After you have passed through the previous four seasons, you find yourself in a place of peace. In it, you will find your true self and the very reason you were born. You accept your place in this world and welcome the adventure that awaits you as you travel your journey.
So, which season are you in right now?
Which season do you want to be in? Once you learn to recognize them, they will not be something that you fear, but something you treasure instead.
We will follow this same pattern throughout ours lives and will revert back to past seasons to confirm our choices and where we are. Some seasons are shorter than others, while others need more work. They each serve a purpose. They each have value. They each take us somewhere. They each are to be appreciated and although we don’t know when these seasons will come and go, we will certainly know what to look for when we see differences and change on the horizon.
Recognize and admit which season you are in…are you full of questions with no clear answers?
Are you following the crowd and didn’t even know it? Are you in a place of chaos and are swirling around as if you were in a tornado? Are you at a place when making the necessary choice is frightening, but staying where you are is worse? Are the right people coming into your life at the right time to calm the seas? Are you beginning to see where you should be is not necessarily where you are now?
Once you find the season you are in now, take the necessary steps and look for the clues to guide you the rest of the way. They will always be present, but not necessarily in the way you would like them to be.
“Never be afraid to shed what no longer serves you or to grab a hold of something else that comforts you.”
Thank you so much for this in depth description of the phases of our lives.. Sometimes we really don’t understand what season of life we are in and in this article you beautifully described each phase.. Awareness is the key and once we are aware of this, we can take steps to alleviate and rise above that season. Thank you for sharing <3
Thank you for your kind words, Mayuri. The world becomes different once we become aware of our own place in it.
Another great article Michelle😊 I find myself doing a crossover from one season to another. Is that ok? Sometimes, I still find myself in Confusion, at times Clarity/ Peace. I notice that when I allow myself to be affected by external stimuli, I revert back to Confusion. But i know I’m getting there 😊 PEACE.
Thank you so much Bryant and Jenni. I’ll keep a copy of this 💕
Thank you, Lalie for your nice words. Yes, it is expected that we all cross from one season to another! Sometimes, we skip a season too! In some ways, you could view these seasons in order (from most hectic to least hectic) but life doesn’t necessarily follow a set of rules. I have been in stages of Confusion one day then something (sometimes I don’t know what) changes, and I feel like I am in Clarity. Some times, we don’t know where we are! Have a blessed day!
Hello Bryant and Jenni😊 Don’t approve this (just for you 2). I apologize for the poster I published today re. the butterfly. I woke up around 430 am today and when I saw the pink butterfly and quote “You are beautiful just the way you are” I liked it and just posted it without reading the complete text. I just read the complete text around 930 am. If I had known the content, I wouldn’t have posted it. So sorry another thoughtless /careless move😩 I know you’re hurt and offended. Really sorry😥 I told myself after the 19th that I will refrain from posting anything that is negative or offensive. That’s why if you noticed my posters after the 19th all have positive messages. I’m tired of the fighting just like you. So sorry. You’re right Bryant “life is a practice” .lots of trial and error.🤔😩
I really resonated with this article. So clearly articulated. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing these kind words, Eileen.
This one is spot on. I am in the stage of calm. On rare occasion, I am overwhelmed with Family with no control and no filter. I cringe. It offends my heart and my mind. I do not know how to get away except to go to the solitude of my room.
Martha, thank you for your kind words. I completely understand your comments about family — my husband notices right away how anxious I become even before we are together. I have gotten better about choosing what and who gets my energy and attention. For far too long, I wanted to please people and forgot to please myself. All my best to you always.
The incidents happenings in each and everybody’s life have reasons nothing in this world exists without a reason and that can be explained by the law of Karma .whatever we do now come as effect in future so what phase of life we are now we are the results of our previous actions and our presant actions will come as results of future happening including all thoughts. all this happenings and experiences are stored in the subconscious mind in subtle from and and come out at an opportune moment .this ups and downs are there in everybody’s life and you may call it seasons it has no hard and fast rule except the law of Karma if we want peaceful life do good works and help others .in that case we will have peaceful seasons
this article is readable and opens our mind to think about our life and explore the possibility of going deep inside our mind . thank you
Thank you for your insight, Vasudevan. Everything we do or say (or don’t do or say) has a consequence. You are most welcome. I am glad you enjoyed these words.
Worthful Inspiring article💖💐Thanks!Michelle Homme …Seasons in life do have a great impact on us.Each and every time..on our minds’body metabolisùm ,on our Soul…on our moods..on our will to be motivated…or not…as much we engage in positive healthy routines.captivate ourselves in healthy mind and body activities we can with ease go through the thick and thins of any season and can enjoy the seasons.. and can gain healthy effects of the season rather than to be Slow or upset by seasonal changes.we are humans as we are happy and active at times..we do get sad and upset..The main thing is to keep on moving in any phase of life…be strong..be realistic…be stable and confident..Seasons are a part of our life we should not take them seriously..and should not get sensitive.. rather than that take them as they are…and keep on going with our normal routines with happiness..courage …stablity..and passion..This Season is so uplifting and encouraging for me as my faith in myself is quite quite strong…my determination and will to do best for myself by keeping me more busy in more healthy positive mind and body and spiritual activities..in solitude gives me more positive energy and happiness +Courage to deal my day to day tasks of normal life …and to cope up my responsibilities with more courage..enthusiasùm and good changes…It’s all matter of Souls peace …do right things at right time…be in ease..don’t hurry if you hurry it will become a curry…be cool..relax and calm…utilize your time your minutes your hours with in stable and constructive ways. Take at times bit rests have proper night Sleep..focus on your self first ..have your own free times ..have meditations.. exercises..mind Soul ease yoga…be commuted to your duties at the time…The person who are not capable response good to you avoid them as much as possible be silent when any person or relation try to argue on unnecessary issues..or try to put you down.. give them positive response.. They are themselves dealing pains and need your support…be Loving caring to all…Go in nature for some time…be with some good persons who understand you and you feel good by sharing with them .but focus mainly on your own self care and give proper time to your own routines…Feel good …thought good….do good..be loving compassionate to all…life will become a heaven on earth…and yeah focus on your passions..desires and goals you wanna acheive in your life…as much you are stable. Confident ..Happy energetic…powerful and in patience you will and can acheive your desires…💖👑Amen
Thank you for your wonderful words, Robina. Everything you said is true. Allowing ourselves to move through life instead of always fighting with it. To reflect when needed to be able to take what happened and apply that lesson to a future moment. Many blessings to you always. =)
I need to decide
Nuha, deciding is the hard part. Once we are in a season, we won’t stay there forever and quite often, we move through them several different times in our lifetime. Take notes on what I shared and take a long hard look at where you are. Then, start moving towards where you want to be. =)
What an important information….am in the season where I know what to do for me to move forward and be happy as God intended us to live,I know I have to do it…but for some reasons there is an attachment I need to fight with from my previous way of life….it needs a lot of courage so ibcan make a decision of clearing my way and starring my ship in a safer direction for me and my kids.
Thank you, Tebello. We all know what it feels like when our “ship” starts to tilt one way or another. We feel like we are off course even. So make sure your priorities are in focus and steer in that direction. All my best you always.
I m in season of confusion
Thank you for sharing, Moushmi. You are not alone. I have been there myself. When questions seem to be everywhere with no real answer in sight. Keep asking the questions. Be silent when it is time to listen. Trust your heart and you will find our way through it. Because every season ends. 😉
I believe I am in the season of clarity. I have always wanted to be near the Pacific ocean but in a mountain biome. And I am there I bought a fixer upper on a hill near the sound so I can breathe the salty air, but I can hear the wind sing through the many pine trees. And I know this is where I belong but I must work on the land to make it fit my vision. I am so excited to get busy and start growing food for us (my daughter she is daughter no 1 and a widow as an I) and we are struggling and laughing while we go through 500 plus boxes deciding what we can use, what we sell, and what we will donate. We have already decided what to grow for each of the four seasons. I must find a church this next weekend. Life is filled with a dance 1 step forward and 2 steps back but you can endure anything if you have a relationship with God, can laugh at yourself, get out of being angry it serves no purpose, be friendly to everyone they might be an angel or a teacher in disguise. Wake up with an attitude of gratitude. Life is fantastic let it be.
Thank you for sharing, Ruth. So happy you are in your PERFECT space. I totally love the ocean as well. As we simplify what is around us and where we are, naturally we learn to simplify our minds too. Trust in where you are as you also celebrate what you had to do to get you there. Many blessings to you and your daughter. Live inspired every day!
The part that started with God and to the end really lifted me. Thank you. Having a hard time tonight.
Thank you for sharing, Carol. Believe every moment has a purpose. Even if you don’t understand it. Every season takes us into another one. Hold onto your soul and there you will find God.
I m in the season of cinfusion
hank you for sharing, Moushmi. You are not alone. I have been there myself. When questions seem to be everywhere with no real answer in sight. Keep asking the questions. Be silent when it is time to listen. Trust your heart and you will find our way through it. Because every season ends. 😉
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I have to decide….
No doubt you will teeter totter back and forth sometimes, Marisa. You will know when you are in clarity — no questions asked. You just ARE. If you ever saw “The Matrix” — the scene at the very end when Neo KNOWS who he is. That’s when you know. Sending you good thoughts.
I’m in a state of total confusion at this point. I thought things were going to be different, not a lot .. just a little . Now, I can’t even come close to figuring out how , and why, I’m where I am.
Sunnie, being able to admit where you are is always the first step. Once you do, recognizing what you want (which means listening to your heart and taking action to create the life you want) become easier. But you and I know one thing is for certain — life will want you to move. You don’t have to have all of the answers right now. Keep asking questions. Keep being curious. The rest will happen at the right time. =)
I have just had four years of great stress and grief. The cause has been removed. Therefore I just entered an adjustment phase and trying to return to a stress free and more relaxing environment.
Good for you, Dno. May your always find peace and enlightenment.
I believe that I’m in between the season of choice and the season of calm. Now a lot of stuff is going on around me but that’s because I held on to long in a situation. But truthfully Ive chose to serve GOD no matter what and HIS peace is inside of me. There are some fragments hanging from some pain I endured but I’ve chosen to serve GOD and let HIM finish healing it. My children are grown so I’m still making in-depth choices and decisions and reAligning because my responsibilities have changed.
Good points, Cheryl. Sometimes, letting go of trying to control everything is all it takes to move away from moments that make us crazy and prevent us from holding onto what works best for our soul. No doubt we all have some scars that rise to the surface every now and again. Any time our life needs adjusting due to more or less requirements, we always need to find a place that fits well within our soul. All my best to you always, Cheryl.
Hey…thank you so much for this great article, you’re always encouraged and uplifting,you really know alot about life and the journey we all have to travel along I will say….I’m at the season of Calm..it’s really about finding yourself and recognizing that some of the things needed and problems we once had no longer matters…because life will been seeing now differently, our mind will be lighter and meditation or prayers brings you to another level in your life…you must believe and feel it..
Thank you for your comments, Sherry. I appreciate your kind and heartfelt words. Calm is a great place to be. I think I am there myself. The outside world has little influence on my beliefs and thoughts. I follow my heart as you follow yours. Perspective and enlightenment become our guides as we continue our own journey. All my best to you always.
Good article. Thank you. My husband and I are at a place in our lives where it is time to make some choices for us and not others. Retirement age. We have made some decisions but now we need the strength to follow thru in order to find our own selfs and peace together.
Thank you for sharing, Wren. The ideas always seem to come easy while putting them into action is more difficult. But it tells everyone (including yourselves) what REALLY matters and what you are willing to do to get it. Some people won’t understand and they don’t have to…this is YOUR life. Live it on your terms.
Hello 👋 Michelle how are you? I loved the 5 seasons!!! Personally I can’t say in which season I belong because in my mind I am in all 5 seasons everyday, comfort, confusion, clarity, choice, calm, angry! I am totally lost in space, mood swings all over the place, one moment having everything under control and the next moment chaos rules my life! I wish I was in a calm state frequently just like some of my friends!!! I really try but without success!! Sometimes people love me and other times they want to struggle me! I must admit that I provoke the situation also!! Sooo please my friends forgive me!!!
I must confess Michelle that I like all 5 seasons! Thank you for your Genius Article!!! 🏆❤️🙏🌹
Thank you so much, Angeliki! I loved writing it! I would agree — we can be in a few different stages at the same time or flow from one to another and back again all in one day. Some circumstances don’t keep me calm while others bring me incredible peace. That is what makes us human! All my blessings to you always.
For the most part I am in a period of peace although I desire to make some changes with my weight and physical activities so as to become more active. But I have limitations and accepting them has not always been easy. I am grateful for a lot of things mainly people and circumstances in my life so I really try hard to be content and always strive to do the most I can do. I try to take advantage of the circumstances I have when they are present and try not to worry about things I cannot change. Thank you for your article.❤
Thank you, Darlene. I also miss running (due to a chronic injury) so I know what it means to accept limitations. We can always choose to see our blessings as abundant and full or the opposite. I am humbled by my blessings every day. Best wishes to you always.
I absolutely loved this!!! I NEEDED to read these words today. It is so important to know WHAT season you are in, to discern the time of shaping…when God is working something new IN you, and something old OUT of you! God bless you for sharing this wisdom!💖
Yuvette, thank you for your kind words. Most people rush from one day to another — never recognizing or slowing down enough to notice what season they are in. But if we allow ourselves to do so, we become more centered, more balanced, more intune with our inner spirits and see life differently. God bless you always!
Doubt, uncertainty, stagnant, thinking, restless.What season is that? I don’t think there is one for the way I feel.
I know that feeling, no matter what I do, it’s not right. I have made lots of mistakes, but overall I have done well. Now I am going towards the end of my life, I feel that I could and should do more.
Yes, I feel that too. I am trying, but I find that I just have to go with the flow some days. I just live in hope.
Margo, some days are “go with the flow” but that doesn’t mean we can’t participate in our own lives. Living in hope without action leaves everything in life to chance without understanding WE have moments of input. We choose what we say. We choose what we don’t. Just as we choose what we do and don’t do. Every test in life is temporary. Nothing lasts forever — life ensures of that by every minute that goes by. Fight for what you believe in. Focus on what really matters. Hold onto what makes you great. Love unconditionally and give more of yourself away. Live in each moment and treasure the ones that you never saw coming. Be an observer but act when you need to…live life passionately and intentionally every day. =)
Veronica, We have ALL made mistakes. But don’t focus on them. Focus instead on what you have done well. We all have regrets too. Do the VERY best you can with what you have, where you are. Until you can’t anymore. There is life to live. Focus on your successes and how you influenced others in good ways. You may not be able to go back and change everything, but doing what you can will leave you feeling better. =)
Margo, we ALL go through feelings of everything you mentioned. We could call it the Stage of Confusion. When everything we see is nothing we want and even if we can identify what we want, we are unsure of how to get it. Fear becomes our “driver” as we try to navigate where we know we really need to be. But confusion also allows us to be open, to surrender to what cannot be changed. We begin to move through that confusion into another stage. I know what it’s like to feel like you do. Quiet your mind and instead listen to your heart. Trust in what you know to be true instead of holding onto things that are not. All of the things you mention are driven by your head, not your heart. So start there…
Thank you for this, I believe I must have been in the Season of Choice for the greatest time…the article explained a lot. <3
You are most welcome, Anita. I think we go from one to another and back over our lifetime, but it is nice to know where we are. =)
It seems i am in season of clarity. And i am enjoying each moments 🙂
So happy for you, Eda. Clarity is one of my favorites too. It is when life almost happens with little effort and even if crazy things happen, we are okay with everything.
How can I get a printable version of this article? I have a group of retirees that meet and I am always looking for interesting reads to distribute to them.
Good morning, Andrew. I do not have printable copies of this article for you, but if you choose to print this article for your retirees, I would ask that you include the source (McGill Media) and author (Michelle A. Homme) information. On a side note, I am very humbled and appreciative of your wanting to share this information with others. Thank you. – Michelle
A great way to explain change as the seasons come and go. We each have a tool box of resources that we can retrieve when necessary which has been accumulated over a life time. During our quieter moments we have the ability to reflect on our difficult times and ask ourselves how we came through unscathed. There is a reason and a season for everything. This is how knowledge is accumulated through the past and present, and if we can say to ourselves, well done self, you learned your lessons well, we are one step ahead. Thanks for sharing your insight.
Thank you, Gail. I am so grateful for your kind words. Most of us never slow down (let alone stop) to catch a moment over our shoulders to capture the lesson we learned when something tests us. I agree — there is a reason for everything and when we choose to learn our lessons we will always be better prepared for whatever comes next. All my best to you.
Nice.. inspiring article…💖👑💐Royal Sister Michelle…Really meaning ful.. and practicable for all..who wanna live a healthy life with happiness some pupose…With loving,caring and compassionate support of people who trust them.. acknowledge them…feel them..Comfort and ease them with positive loving caring support to gain the best potential on them…to be more creative.. health.. can utilise their energies and times…in various fields.. can work with passion..zeal and zest..and can live a life of a healthy happy useful human being…and can prove best as a loving ,caring person for all….💖👑Amen
Robina, I so appreciate your words. Life is something that ebbs and flows. We must understand where we are in order to accept it. To move through something that is easy and other times, we may need to do a self assessment. When we are at peace, we find the world more beautiful and we connect with it in a way that we almost cannot describe. Wishing you a very happy life. All my best to you always.
Thanks for a lovely article.
Thank you, Julia!
Oh life!
Thank you, Laurie!
AMEN
Thank you, Prabhakar.