As we hit that magical date in September when summer officially ends and fall begins, we are aware of changes in a dramatic fashion. Here in Colorado, mountainsides of Aspen turn golden. Trees in the northeast are vibrant with a variety of colors. We clearly notice that the light of day is shorter while the darkness creeps in earlier. Change is here.
But change isn’t an arrival – it is a process. You see, it will only be a few more months and blooms will be on the trees and sunset will arrive later each day. Our lives are in a constant state of flux – and this includes our most important relationships.
I write this pondering some of these changes. In the past year and a half we have been thrilled with our first grandchild while in the same year losing my mother-in-law. And last month we had a new grandson make his arrival. I wonder what changes you might be experiencing? Perhaps they involve retirements, cross-country moves, or the start of a new business. But whatever they are, they will be so much sweeter if you and your partner are able to negotiate them together.
Change is inevitable, but the stress that often accompanies transition does not have to do us in. Studies have shown that whether or not we become ill, related to transition, is not so much about the change itself but has more to do with how we manage it.
Personally, I am grateful for the support of a loving wife as leaves fall from the tree (or my hair turns gray). Because I know how meaningful this is to me, I want to make sure that I provide her with the same level of partnership.
So today I want to encourage you to enjoy the fall of 2017, but more importantly, embrace your spouse as together you navigate the changes of your season.