Fall is that bittersweet season when the trees shed their vibrant foliage to prepare for a winter of less sunlight and cold temperatures.
This process offers a powerful lesson for our lives.
As the fall nights lengthen, trees will actually initiate the foliage shedding process by secreting a chemical that severs the link between the leaf and the tree. As the leaves stop producing chlorophyl, they change color and ultimately fall to the ground, providing a protective mulch to insulate the roots.
By shedding their leaves, trees prepare to enter a dormant state to conserve the moisture in the trunk and branches during the drier, colder winter season. This allows them to protect themselves and preserve their energy for a new growing season the following spring.
Release to Make Room for Something Better
Just like the trees, we often need to release things from our lives to continue to grow and thrive.
It might be an activity or obligation that we no longer find fulfilling or enjoyable.
It could be a role that we’ve outgrown or an old story that’s been holding us back.
Perhaps it’s time to release a dream that has grown stale or a set of expectations that no longer fit who we are.
It could even be that distracting pile of clutter in our home or office or closet!
Letting go of what no longer serves us can re-energize us and, most importantly, create space in our lives for exciting new possibilities!
Begin by Identifying What Needs to Be Released
Ask yourself the following three questions:
- Does this bring me joy and/or fulfillment?
- Does this move me forward in manifesting my vision for my life/career?
- Does this reflect one of my top 5 priorities or is it draining time and energy from higher value priorities?
If the answer to two out of three questions is “No”, consider releasing this commitment or behavior from your life.
As you let go of what no longer serves you, you’ll feel lighter and liberated! If you’ve been experiencing burnout, you’ll free up time to rejuvenate and renew yourself.
And, because you’ve created space in your schedule, you’ll be able to focus your energy on activities that truly matter to you, explore new opportunities, and invite something fresh and new into your life.
Take a lesson from the trees. They don’t passively wait for the autumn wind to blow their leaves off. They initiate the process of shedding their leaves so they can protect and replenish themselves.
We also must be proactive in releasing what no longer serves us, so we – like the trees – can later bloom and share our gifts with the world.
