AE #12: The Seasons of the Soul – Embracing Change and Transformation

Life is filled with seasons—some bright and blooming, others cold and quiet. But unlike the weather, the seasons of our soul don’t follow a predictable calendar. They ebb and flow, moving us through cycles of growth, release, and rest. Yet, just like the earth, each season has its own purpose, its own gift.

Have you ever found yourself in a season of change, where everything feels in flux, yet you can’t quite make sense of what’s happening? Or maybe you’re in a season of stillness, where it feels like nothing is moving forward. Wherever you are right now, I want you to know that each season has a reason, and it’s leading you somewhere meaningful—even if it doesn’t feel that way yet.

The Spring of Renewal

Spring is the season of new beginnings. It’s when the seeds you’ve planted start to sprout, and you begin to see the possibilities ahead. This is the season of hope, of seeing potential in places where there once was nothing but barren ground.

I’ve had my share of springs—times when new ideas, new projects, and new versions of myself began to emerge. But spring also carries a certain vulnerability. Those new sprouts are fragile, and it’s easy to doubt whether they’ll make it through. It’s tempting to rush the process, to want those seeds to become a full garden overnight. But spring teaches us to nurture patiently, to trust that what we’ve planted will grow in its own time.

Maybe you’re in a spring season right now, feeling the stirrings of something new. My advice? Be gentle with yourself. Give those new parts of you the time they need to take root.

The Summer of Growth

Summer is when things are in full bloom. It’s vibrant, alive, and full of energy. This is the time when you feel like you’re thriving, like everything you’ve worked for is finally coming to fruition. But with growth comes the heat, the intensity. Summer can burn out even the most flourishing of gardens if we’re not careful.

I’ve experienced summers where everything felt like it was happening at once—success, new opportunities, all the external signs of growth. It’s exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. It’s easy to forget to pause, to rest, and to appreciate the abundance around you when you’re caught up in the rush of it all.

If you’re in a summer season, remember to savor the moment. Celebrate your growth, but don’t let it consume you. Balance your energy, so that you don’t burn out before the harvest.

The Autumn of Release

Autumn is the season of letting go. It’s when the trees shed their leaves, and nature reminds us that release is necessary for renewal. This is the season where we say goodbye—to old habits, outdated beliefs, relationships that no longer serve us, or dreams that have run their course.

For me, autumn has always been bittersweet. I’ve had to let go of things I once thought I couldn’t live without. I’ve had to face the reality that some things weren’t meant to last, even if they held beauty for a time. But every time I’ve released what no longer served me, I found a lightness I didn’t know I needed. It’s as if shedding those leaves made room for something new to take root.

If you’re in an autumn season, trust that your letting go is creating space for something better. It might feel like a loss now, but it’s the clearing that prepares you for what’s next.

The Winter of Stillness

Winter is often the hardest season. It’s cold, quiet, and sometimes it feels like nothing is happening at all. But beneath the surface, winter is when the most profound transformations occur. It’s the time for rest, reflection, and preparation. It’s when the roots grow deeper, even if the surface looks barren.

I’ve had winters where I felt stuck, where no amount of effort seemed to change anything. But looking back, I realize those winters were necessary. They were the times when I had to slow down, to look inward, to understand myself in ways I couldn’t when life was moving fast. Winter taught me that sometimes, stillness is the most powerful form of growth.

If you’re in a winter season, know that you’re not stuck—you’re gathering strength. Embrace the quiet, and trust that beneath the surface, you’re becoming exactly who you’re meant to be.

Embrace Your Season

No matter what season your soul is in right now, it has a purpose. Spring brings renewal, summer brings growth, autumn brings release, and winter brings reflection. Each one is leading you forward, helping you to evolve in ways you can’t always see in the moment.

The key is to embrace each season as it comes. To trust that just like nature, your soul knows when it’s time to bloom and when it’s time to rest.

Join the AE Collective

Wherever you are on your journey, the AE Collective is here for you. It’s a space where we honor each other’s seasons, celebrate growth, and support one another through every phase of transformation. Learn more here.