If you have had a conversation with me in the past few months, I have probably used the word season numerous times. Talking about this present season, past seasons, the changing of the seasons to come. I find a lot of comfort in the entire concept that surrounds seasons. I love that anticipation of the seasons to come. I love the memories of seasons that have passed. And probably most of all, I love that seasons are temporary, but they cycle. They leave you, but they come back. Not quite in the same way, but they are not gone forever. (Although if you live in California, it does seem like summer is lasting forever!!)
I had dinner with a friend of a friend last night. It was a wonderful unexpected surprise - I got an email from her on Sunday, where she explained she had recently gotten together with my friend, Lindsey. She wrote:
When she shared about you and your story, I though that I had to meet you.
For me, there really is no higher praise. I was touched and eager to meet this individual. And so last night, we exchanged stories over gourmet pizza and bananas foster. We talked and talked and talked. We laughed. We shared the deepest parts of our hearts. And then as we walked out of the restaurant, we both expressed we knew this was only the beginning. As I sent my signature "post-hang out text," she replied: I am glad our paths finally collided.
Something came alive in me last night. Revisiting the past of how Imani came to be, how God has really been doing something big within my heart for a long time....suddenly, the place I am in now (recently quitting my nursing job, moving back to Seattle, nannying again, trying to figure out exactly what I am supposed to be doing)....it didn't seem strange at all. It seemed predictable. I found myself thinking, Well of course I left my nursing job. In nursing school, I questioned whether nursing was the right fit for me, but I continued on because that was the plan. It was the only plan. I didn't have a plan B. There was so much freedom in realizing I am being more true to myself in this season than I have ever been in my life.
She reminded me that who I am is not limited to a nurse, or someone who started a nonprofit. Those are parts of me, yes, but I am so much more, and to give space and time and energy to those hibernating parts of me is life-giving. What are the things that I love? What energizes me? What do I want to learn? How do I use the things I am passionate about to love and serve others? This season is all about answering those questions, and living in spite of knowing all the answers. Of giving myself permission to not know.
7 Things I Love About Fall
1. The leaves changing on the trees. We have a big, beautiful tree right in front of our house, and every day, I marvel at the vibrant colors.
2. Cozy. Cozy everything. Getting cozy with Ruby watching Inside Out. Cozy clothes and blankets and making cozy spaces.
3. The crisp air in the morning.
4. Hot beverages. Okay, let's be honest, I can't remember the last time I ordered a cold beverage....I'm just a hot drink kind of girl. But they seem to be aplenty during the fall. And just for the record, I think Pumpkin Spice Lattes are gross.
5. Baking. Especially things like Harvest Loaf Cake or cookies to put in care packages.
6. Harvest of Hope. Yes, it is probably the reason my hair is falling out, but I am really excited for it. I love that Imani events have the feeling of a reunion, a wonderful celebration that brings people together.
7. The decorations. I am not a big Halloween person, but I do love fall decor. Pumpkins, leaves, wreaths, candles - yes, please!!
Happy Fall!!
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