Seasonal Affective Disorder, more deeply missing those loved ones whom we’ve laid to rest, adjusting to darkness and a winding-down of the typically busy summer season. But, I’m trying-on a new way of thinking about Fall. Lately, our ChristCare group has been studying a book called, The Happiness Connection, The Bible & The Brain by Christine Schader. Its basic premise is that most of your happiness depends on your outlook, on being purposeful in finding that state. We had a guest speaker on Wednesday, Laura Jongeward, who shared with us the method she uses in coaching clients towards this similar goal. You sort out the factual circumstances: let’s use the “dying plants and flowers” statement. Then you identify the thoughts in your head about that: these once-beautiful tomato plants and petunias are withering and dying. The next step is identifying the feeling or emotion you feel about that: sadness. So, you figure out an action to deal with that: what are the positive things I can say about that circumstance? I canned crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and shared the bounty with others to spread the joy of the fresh produce and stored on into the winter months. I’m replacing the petunias with bulbs to bring beauty in the Springtime. Then you create the results of that change in thinking: the plants and flowers produced bounty and joy in their summer season and now it’s time to find joy in the next season. Okay, let me expand on my idea, then. Tom and I are going to take a leisurely mini-vacation next week and drive over to Montana and back into Salmon, Idaho to photograph the beauty of the changing colors of Autumn. Then, we’ll continue onto Stanley Lake and Redfish Lake, then onto Ontario, Oregon and Moscow, Idaho. Woohoo! I’m sure we’ll see some beautiful colors in the fields and forests as the trees and bushes adapt to the season. Sounds like I’m getting the hang of this happiness thing! Sheesh! I feel better already! That’s her point: we get to choose and have power over our circumstances and thoughts. The next big step is getting in the habit of acknowledging those emotions, grieving/living in them, and then moving onto a new way of feeling and creating that wanted emotion. Let’s see: yes, it’s darker, but nowhere near as dark as it got in Northern Alaska where we went lickety-split from 9 months of winter right into 3 months of summer! And, it’s so inviting to warm those cold toes in front of the fireplace while reading a book and wrapping-up in a fleece blanket! I also think I’ll try to call this season “Autumn” instead of “Fall,” because the word paints a prettier picture in my head. Yes, I do feel better! I know this is a simple example, and it will take some hard work for me to get into the habit of reorienting my way of thinking, but I’m looking forward to the journey. And, perhaps all I could have done is refer to Ecclesiastes 3 to bring me back. What amazing words from even long before Christ inhabited Earth!
Amen! What can be added to those wise words? Okay, Autumn: bring it on! I’m choosing a new way of thinking about you!
Your friend in Christ, Emily
7 Comments
Charlie Branch
9/29/2020 04:20:45 pm
Thank you, Emily. I'm rejoicing this autumn with Mom's memorial book that the youngest sib compiled from all the contributions. I printed the emailed pdf this morning at OfficeMax, then up to the fall sale at Tumble Stone (50% off bark, 40% off planter pots) this week. It feels like a rebirth today! Cd'A Schools are moving to Condition Yellow next Monday, with all students all days of the week, and "Late Start" on Wednesday (10 a.m.). Plan to return to pick up a pot or two, and grow a crop of cherry tomatoes (sunflowers for the birds, too?) on the deck next year. New learning (to play and maintain guitars) and hoping to see unmasked faces by Halloween... I can remember when we used to plan our drive from IDFG offices at Lewiston to Cd'A to take most of the day and less than forty years later, it's only two hours!
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Karen Huber
9/29/2020 08:30:33 pm
Oh your mini-vacation is going to all my favorite places.....I love the Bitterroot Valley and Stanley and Redfish Lake holds wonderful memories when my Mom and Dad were Camp Hosts at Redfish Lake (Glacier View campground) for 12 years after my Dad retired.........and we’d go down and spend a week with them every year........ Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy those beautiful Sawtooth Mountains!!!!
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Carol Landon
9/29/2020 10:22:43 pm
Emily,
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Lynn Sumey
9/30/2020 10:23:34 am
Thank you for this great insight... I'm also grateful for the name of the book your group is studying, sounds really interesting. Thanks for sharing!
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Bev Turner
9/30/2020 01:15:12 pm
Thank you, Emily, for your Autumn explanations, and also the "how tos" on the emotional issues. This comes at a perfect time for me, as I sit here languishing the long recovery time of the surgery I had. I am impatient....but certainly will try on your suggested methods. Have a blessed vacation, and sounds like Tom is healing well from his surgery. Stay safe. Love.
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Sara Buckham
9/30/2020 08:08:31 pm
Thank you for the beautifully written Autumn Reminations article Emily and your positive thoughts in regards to transitioning from one season to another. The power of positive thinking is enormous. Oh, what a wonderful mini-vacation you and Tom will experience. I spent many a summer with my family growing up camping at Stanley and Redfish Lake so that area is near and dear to my heart. We have carried on the tradition with some of our children and grandchildren, however opting for the Redfish Lake family cabins instead of the tents. There are some benefits to aging! Have a wonderful journey and safe travels.
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