A tame wind quietly sweeps through the swaying trees producing a harmonious rustling sound. As September gives way to October, nature begins to change rapidly. The once lush tender grass shrivels away and greys while the monolithic oak trees begin to shed its leaves it wore so proudly. For individuals, this time of change in the environment sparks a feeling of witnessing something beautiful. One thing that struck me, however, was the fact that the fall season is essentially a foreshadowing to decay, loss, and eventual death. As people take photos of the dead leaves falling from the trees, or covering the sidewalk, they see beauty. With the changing of seasons, things naturally go through the process of dying. As humans, we don’t often see the beauty and opportunity that comes with change. Relationships end, jobs change, personal lifestyles shift, etc… Transformations like these are often viewed as painful and laborious experiences. Sometimes with change comes the eventual conception of death. Death can, however, give life to new things that are perhaps beneficial and beautiful.

Within these previous months, I have found myself thinking deeply about this topic. Preparing for college has lead me to reflect on my life thus far, how I have grown as an individual, and what this transition in my life ultimately means. Segmenting life into seasons is something I haven’t done too much due to my youth. However, looking back at the value and insight I have gained from these meer eighteen years is appalling. One thing that I have recognized in my reflection is that life is always changing. Normally that statement is dramatically cliche, (it is), however, it holds much truth. In my life, notable shifts occurred when I entered elementary school, middle school, and high school. It changed when I got my license and experienced new adventures outside of the country. The challenges, lessons, and experiences that took place within those times ultimately formed who I would become. In the face of some of those hardships, it appeared that it was for no reason; that I was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Looking back, however, was not the case in the slightest.

Using dying trees and a metaphor: When the time comes for the trees to let go of its leaves, does it do so willingly and accept this change? I wouldn’t know, I’m asking you… Jokes aside, as the tree eventually looses all of its leaves, we humans place them into large trash bags. What is the purpose of the leaves? They give life to the soil, acting as compost for a new yield in the coming season. Whatever is planted in that area will eventually grow stronger and produce a richer outcome due to the nutrients within the soil.

This can be directly correlated to the way we view the changing seasons of our lives. Sometimes the fallen leaves within our lives (whether pleasant or painful experiences), can be the layer of nutrients our hearts need in order to produce a soil which is enthralling, secure, and enlightened. This soil is the groundwork for the eventual change of character.

As I have quickly found out, within life, we all go through struggles and trials, (some far worse and devastating than others). These experiences encourage us to persevere, which ultimately strengthens our character. The wisdom that has been shared with me countless times is that one must embrace letting go of the painful attributes and replace them with characteristics of humility, love, and peace. Eventually, through the ebbs and flow of this process, we begin to see the small nuggets of value within these dead leaves, which may be the groundwork to light a fire in our hearts, rather than encapsulating or casting them aside.

Stepping off my ivory tower of “wisdom” I want to leave you with this thought. When you go through the growing pains of transitions in your life; whether they bring joy or hurt, my hope for you and myself is that you would see the elegance of the fallen leaves. I personally struggle and am continuously working towards making this mindset flow through my life. Don’t bury these leaves within your subconscious, rather, allow them to become the fertilizer for the soil of your heart, mind, and soul.

-“Life and business is like the changing seasons. You cannot change the seasons, but you can change yourself. Therein lies the opportunity to live an extraordinary life, the opportunity to change yourself.” Jim Rohn