Looking for Signs of Spring in the Midst of Winter 

I recently attended a writer’s conference, and one of the speakers was Jennifer Dukes Lee. She lives on a farm and shared the lessons she has learned about the yearly seasons. She noticed how each season brings joys and challenges. At the end of her talk, she named each season and asked us to stand up to represent our season. When she called out winter, I immediately stood up. I did not even entertain the idea that I could be in another season. My muscle memory had me respond almost involuntarily to winter.

I have been pondering this for several days. I do not think of myself as a negative person. Still, years of parenting kids with Reactive Attachment Disorder have left me unable to see spring shoots or the summer sun’s warmth in the winter landscape. Am I really in winter, or is my mind conditioned to think so?

Can you relate? It is the same with us; we have summer, spring, fall, and winter seasons as special needs moms. The landscape of our lives and circumstances change constantly. We have new medications, doctors, treatments, and a changing diagnosis. When we think we have it figured out, something changes and we must adapt again. The life we thought we would have, the day, or even the next 30 minutes, changes constantly. Some of these changes are challenging and exhausting. They plunge us deep into winter. I have had to remind myself that sorrow and winter are not the whole story. The growth of spring, the joy of summer, and the peace of autumn are reflected in our daily life.

How do we recognize these seasons when the next change is always approaching?

It is about paying attention to what matters. I know you have heard me talk about this before, but I continue to write about living in the present moment because it is the lesson I need to live. I am prone to only seeing winter. I am inclined to scan for the next gust of wind that may level me. I am learning to look for the beauty of the present moment.

Whatever season you may be in, remember this, the seasons come and go. Still, each season has lessons to learn, joys to celebrate, and new mercies every morning.

This is especially true as we celebrate Easter this weekend.

I would love to hear your story if you need help seeing past the winter landscape or if this resonates with you. You can contact me at amy@amyjbrown.com or schedule a talk with me, here.​