Welcome to Autumn Kim,

Many people find it interesting that fall is my least favorite season. To me everything is turning brown, the days are shorter and getting colder. You know me–I love long, warm, sunshiny days! This year, autumn has taken on a whole new meaning as I reflect on what it means to let go. Losing G is one of the hardest things I have ever faced in my life. We had so many plans for our future. As a planner, this has been so difficult. Many times, over the last few months, I have been reminded to be still—no planning, no controlling, just waiting and taking one step at a time.

I am finding that I have to hold more loosely to things I once held so tightly.

Holding Life with Open Hands

As humans, we naturally hold onto what is familiar. Sometimes that's healthy—a strong relationship, meaningful routines, or life-giving habits. Other times, we cling to expectations, identities, possessions, or even unhealthy patterns simply because they feel familiar. Change asks us to examine what we're holding and whether it still serves the season God has us in. But autumn is a season to reap, reflect, and release so that we can receive what comes next. When G and I married, two people on different paths became one. Together we navigated job changes, a move from Pennsylvania to South Carolina, and health challenges. Along the way, we also found joy in traveling, spending time in nature, and sharing good food.

But we reaped well.                        

Not because life was perfect, but because we faithfully cultivated what God had entrusted to us. G continues to have a profound impact—not only on me, but also on his coworkers, friends, and family. I am spending time now reflecting on what we had shared and planned and will continue to do so, as it’s not a once and done thing. But it allows me to release the plans, expectations and even some of the dreams that no longer fit in this season. The same principle applies to our health. Sometimes we hold onto eating habits, routines, or beliefs simply because they've always been part of our lives. Yet growth often begins when we're willing to release what no longer serves us so we can embrace healthier habits, renewed strength, and new possibilities.

I don't know exactly what lies ahead, but I trust that God will continue the work He has begun in me and faithfully provide what I need for each new season. I'm deeply thankful for the years He graciously shared G with me and for the harvest we experienced together.

The Four R's of Autumn

What are you holding onto?

Reap: What harvests have you experienced this past year? How have you been blessed, or how have you been a blessing to someone else?

Reflect: What have you learned? what worked, what didn't, or what simply needs a tweak?

Release: What no longer belongs in this next season?

Receive: What new opportunity, perspective, or calling is being placed in your hands?

Next Week - Winter Rest

Is your season one of rest, where God is inviting you to root deeply before what's next?

Taking the Next Faithful Step

Are you ready to receive renewed hope and healing from inflammation so that you can respond to serving your home, workplace and community? Please check out my calendar and schedule a Find Your Energy Discovery Session. If you are not quite sure yet and want to reflect with me for a moment, we can do a virtual coffee chat or if you are here is the Charleston area we can meet for a local coffee chat.

A Moment to Reflect

“Be still and know that I am God” Psalms 46:10 NLT

May you find the courage to release what no longer belongs in this season.

Kim

Hope and Healing Lifestyle Coach

(The picture above we took while at the PA Grand Canyon in fall of 2015.)