Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch changes
Now that we’ve moved into December, I can take a look back at November and reflect on, what can only be described as, a month of transformation. Where the vivid colors of fall slowly give way to the stark beauty of winter. This year, it's not just the seasons that are changing – my life is too. As I sit here, sipping on a warm cup of Chai tea and watching the last of the leaves fall from the trees in the backyard, I can't help but reflect on the significant shifts that have taken place in my life recently.
One of the most profound changes this November has been my dedication to therapy. Mental health, often overlooked, is as crucial as physical well-being. Therapy is definitely a journey. It's like peeling back layers, each session revealing more about myself, my fears, and my dreams. Without a doubt, the hardest battles are the ones we fight within ourselves.
As I've been focusing on my mental health, it’s always in the back of my mind that, without a doubt, my physical health needs attention too. The colder weather and shorter days make it so easy for me to neglect physical activity. It’s easy to just want to be warm, lazy, and cozy this time of year but I'm determined to try and find a better balance. I usually suffer from S.A.D. each year and I know one sure-fired way to get out of my head this time of year is to grab my camera and head outside to find the beauty of winter. So, as difficult as this time of year can be for me, I'm committed to taking care of my body as much as my mind. After all, they are deeply interconnected.
The biggest change this past November, however, is my career. After much contemplation, I've decided to leave the security of a full-time job and embark on a new adventure as an independent contractor. This decision wasn't easy. It's a leap of faith, stepping out of the comfort zone of a regular paycheck into the unpredictable world of freelance writing and digital content creation, but it's a step towards fulfilling my passions and doing what I love. At 48 years old, I don’t have much time left to do a major career change so going out on my own at my age is both terrifying and exhilarating, but I'm ready for it.
As we move into December now, I'm trying hard to learn how to embrace change—to see it not as something to fear, but as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Each step, whether it's a therapy session, a walk in the cold, or a new professional venture, is a step towards a better, more fulfilled me. This December, I choose to embrace it all – with hope, courage, and an open heart.
An art journal page I created in November.