Fall Foliage/Falling Leaves-Anticipatory Fears Re: Farewells and Finalities

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“Sometimes letting go is an act of far greater power than defending or holding on…”

-Eckhart Tolle

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ORONO HIGH SCHOOL

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IMG_7687BACKYARD TRAMPOLINE

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IMG_7693IMG_7697This year’s Fall In Minnesota has been a particularly colorful one.  “A Feast for the eyes” is what someone wrote on another’s Facebook Fall picture this week. (Is the person who wrote that reading this now? Have you identified yourself as the author of that comment?). Feast your eyes on some of these spectacular colors:

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IMG_7387IMG_7360IMG_7446It has been next to impossible for me to NOT stop and notice the stunningly gorgeous colors throughout many glorious Fall days here. It’s hard not to take particular note while running outside. I’ve discovered another benefit of running is an opportunity to more closely connect with nature.  During my recent runs, I have Felt compelled to reach for my trusted i-phone Frequently to snap pictures. (Or maybe I am using that as an excuse to take a break?) Sadly, the pictures never turn out as vibrantly as I see them. Still, I  keep attempting to capture the beauty as I see it.   I decided to include some of my Favorite shots from the season on this post.  I placed a Few on my instagram account but wanted to show off mother nature a little more extensively. I acknowledge that “the peak” has happened and we are on the distinct downside of the season now.  Further proof?  On a chilly,  grey and cloudy morning this week, I noticed that some of the trees were already stark and lifeless.   The seasonal Familiarity of witnessing the leaves whirling and twirling in the brisk breeze reminds me of the harsh reality that lies ahead. Despite the colorful wonder of Fall, I still find the season depressing overall. [Sidenote-If one is to live in Minnesota, it’s ideal to enjoy embracing EVERY season for optimal happiness. I think some people weather extremes better than others.  Yes, pun intended!]

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IMG_7432So, I had to ask this question of myself yet again:  “Why is it that Fall is my least Favorite season?”  My  psycho-analysis revealed this:

It has something to do with the ANTICIPATION of something negative.  With reference to the seasons, it’s the anticipation of the dreaded midwestern winter.   That being said, one might logically conclude that Winter should therefore be my least Favorite season.  Surprisingly, that’s not the case. It’s the anticipation of winter rather than its actuality that is off putting. I have my struggles getting through the 9 months here in Minnesota (Ok,  admittedly, a bit of an exaggeration) but once it arrives, I usually resort to acceptance, humor,  geographical escapes and try to make the best of it.

Upon Further thought,  I realized that my anticipatory dreaded thinking and/or Fear of the unknown relates to not just seasonal changes but life situations as well.

I think my dread or Fear of something is sometimes worse than it’s actuality/eventuality. Am I alone in my thinking?  Or do other people think this way too?  Here are some examples of life situations that might cause me or anyone to worry about-have anticipatory anxiety about:

1. Fear for the safety and security of one’s children

2. Fear of losing one’s employment

3. Fear of losing a beloved relationship

4. Fear of having to give up on a personal dream

5. Fear of dealing with a dreaded diagnosis

6.Fear of the dying process/death itself

Once the proverbial shoe drops, and I know what I’m going to have to cope with, I can come up with a game plan.  Then, I tend to be better about getting through the situation.

As with the cyclical nature of the seasons and with Faith, I have learned over time and with life experience that with every ending comes some type of new beginning.  New Life,  Possibilities/Opportunities, Renewed Personal Dreams, Hellos that Follow Farewells. I STILL need to get better at embracing endings with Full FAITH while believing new beginnings will emerge.  I will cope with the ensuing snow and a barren winter and wait with hope for mostly sunny springtimes in my Future.

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2 Comments

  1. Fall is actually my favorite season. I enjoy it for the colors, the cooler but warm sunny days. I love being outside in shorts and a sweatshirt working in the yard or just going for walks/bike rides. We just got back from a Fall trip to Vermont, New Hampshire and Cape Cod and the colors were amazing. Such a beautiful place. Thanks for the pictures Berit. I too think the colors this Fall have been gorgeous here in MN.

  2. I throughly enjoyed reading your post, Berit! I enjoy Fall – the Fabulous colors of the season and Fair skies, but I certainly understand how one may Feel about the Freezing temperatures that we will Face in the not so Far away Future. But, I must admit I am a Fan of winter – the mesmerizing snowflakes that gently Fall from the sky during our Frigid days of winter. Fear not, as we will still have our Festive holiday season and our Fair share of Friendly sunshine, Foamy hot cocoa, and Fluffy blankets to keep us toasty warm!

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