Embrace the changing of seasons

Fall and spring have always been my favorite seasons, fall being first by a nose.

The change from hot, humid summer to a cool crisp fall or the change from a dreary winter to colorful spring always makes me excited. I love the change in weather, even if the season isn’t my favorite. 

The funny thing about fall and spring to me is that the temperature is usually the same but the clothes we wear aren’t. In fall, we are so used to the summer heat. The 60s feel cool, so we bring out the sweaters, hats and light coats. But in spring, we’ve gotten so used to the cold winter that the same temperature has us losing layers and bringing out shorts and light sweatshirts. We get so used to one thing that, though it’s the same temperature, it feels different. 

Going home as a college student is like a breath of fresh air — you get to see friends you haven’t in a while, you get to sleep in and you see your family in person instead of over the phone. 

While it has its perks, it is another adjustment, coping with the fact that things changed while you were away. The couch moved, you have extra furniture in your room or your dog is on new medication that makes him act weird. 

Change. It’s a funny thing. 

In college, things are changing constantly. You’re constantly meeting new people, deciding if this major is right for you, going somewhere or doing something new. As a freshman, everything is new and changing. 

I’ve never really been one for change. I had my routine and I liked it. 

But I’m realizing change isn’t all that bad. 

Leaves change from green to vibrant oranges and reds in fall. Life is like that. You get comfortable in one place and learn about the people around you, make friends.

And just like that, it can change.

The person you were close to freshman year of high school, you aren’t as close to anymore. There are new workers at your old job. The familiar face you were used to seeing at the grocery store has moved on. You’re seeing the same people every day; then there are stretches of months since you’ve talked.

Change is not the enemy; growing up is not bad.

For those who just found a gray hair or a wrinkle, for those reluctantly writing college essays, for those applying for a new job, you’re not alone in being scared. New things are going to be difficult. But difficult doesn’t have to mean bad. 

Growing up is the one thing we aren’t really taught how to do because it varies from person to person. You’re not behind because you don't have the job or the partner, or you don’t know what the next step is. Just because others seem to have it all figured out doesn’t mean they do. And it doesn’t mean that their path is the path that you should follow to be successful. 

Embrace the journey of change and growing up. Soon you will be putting the coat away and preparing for a new season of life.