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There Is A Season
Autumn is my favorite season. I welcome the cooler temperatures, I relish in the colors of gold, rust, orange and red, and – like a little kid – I still love the sound of leaves crunching beneath my feet while I’m out for a walk. Although I’m not keen that winter is soon to follow, I do appreciate autumn’s boldness in shedding all of its leaves and bracing itself for the cold and wintry months to come.
As I continue to deal with my foot issues, I struggle to stay motivated. During this past month I did lose the three pounds that I gained in August, but haven’t lost any additional weight. I’ve had a lot of screaming matches in my head regarding my actions or lack of actions. Yet, on a recent walk, as I was thinking about how the struggle that I’m dealing with is but a season in life, the Byrd’s song “Turn, Turn, Turn” began to go through my mind. This song, which is actually based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, was a great reminder to me that it’s time to get in the right frame of mind again and embrace a new season of life! I thought about the various phrases of the song and began to apply them to my life. Maybe you can relate to a phrase or two…
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odj2kNn3_v0&feature=related[/youtube]
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Perhaps it was necessary to cut back on the walking for several weeks to allow my foot to heal. Perhaps I didn’t handle the situation the best that I could have, and used the limited walking as my excuse for not increasing other exercising. Yet, it’s taught me that the next time I’m forced to alter my workout, I need to make the best of the time. When I choose to let an obstacle become an excuse, it is only hurting myself.
“A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.”
Although I’ve made a lot of positive changes over the past several months, there’s always room for more changes. I’ve realized that there are certain things in my life that need to be uprooted or need to die…
- I need to forget about past failures and focus on the present and future
- I need to let go of negative relationships and surround myself with positive ones
- I need to let selfish desires “die” (i.e. hot fudge sundaes) and embrace healthy habits
- I need to invest (plant) in the lives of others
“A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build.”
Look around you – there are so many needs! I have challenged myself that ANY time that I have a thought about cheating with my fitness journey, I will do something to build up or help another person. It might mean sending a card, paying for someone’s groceries who’s short on cash, or calling someone and providing an encouraging word. When I focus on the needs of someone else, it helps me keep my situation in better perspective.
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Having more laughter in my life has been another change. My friend Bob once told me that he knows he laughs every day. I believe him. Whenever the gang gets together for a game night, he’s always laughing. Laughter, and even a silly dance, does the body and soul good!
“A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.”
For my 50th birthday, many of you sent me inspirational quotes which now adorn my playroom. The positive quotes are my “gathering of stones”. I read these quotes regularly! In fact, when I’ve had a hectic day and don’t feel like putting in my half hour of “play”, I begin to read the quotes aloud. After reading a few quotes, I’m in the right mindset, and I’m ready to workout.
“A time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away.”
During a late afternoon walk, I found myself picking up leaves and appreciating the beauty of each one. As I studied the leaves, I realized that even though they were pretty, they needed to be released and at some point would crumble and die. It caused me to evaluate my time. What am I holding onto that is taking away time that needs to be dedicated toward grocery shopping, cooking healthful meals, exercising more, etc.? As I began to release the leaves one by one, I also verbally released those things that have been consuming my time… POGO, Facebook, TV, workload… I still enjoy all of these things, but have made a conscious effort to cut back on them.
“A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.”
Are you dealing with any relationships that aren’t healthy ones? Do you know that these relationships can eat away at your health? They can cause you to be stressed, to overeat, or to not want to get out of the bed in the morning. Recently my brother and I were able to visit a relative whom we haven’t had contact with for a decade. We were able to mend the relationship and gain a new appreciation for that person.
“A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
This line of the song has probably replayed itself the most in my mind. I’ve always felt that I’ve had pretty good self-esteem, but I can’t honestly say that I’ve always had good self-respect. If I had good self-respect, I wouldn’t give in to the temptations around me and my fitness journey would remain a high priority in my life. Thankfully, I am geared up to stay focused on improving my health.
Turn, turn, turn.
How about you? What season of life are you going through right now? Is it a flourishing season where working out and eating right are going well? Or is it a dreary season with struggles and possibly even feelings of wanting to abandon the whole fitness thing?
If it’s the latter, keep in mind that seasons don’t last forever. In fact, you can switch to a new season NOW. No one ever said that getting fit would be easy (thanks Michele!). If it were easy, then we wouldn’t have a national concern regarding obesity, and health insurance companies would be begging for business! Change has to start within you. You need to reach that inner place where you can admit that you’re tired of your life and your desire for a better life is worth a whole lot more than that slice of pizza, that lazy boy chair, or maybe even that high paying, STRESSFUL job. Don’t let days roll into weeks or weeks into months… let this be the time that you make some serious changes in your life. Get rid of the roots or stones that are holding you back and embrace positive changes! Keep the dreams and hopes (i.e. running a marathon, free falling, wearing a size 10) alive and know that you can achieve them!!!
Written by Barb Bergerson
Barb Bergerson lives in Western New York. She has a passion for helping people and getting to know their life stories. She teaches part-time in a jail, is a church administrative assistant, and enjoys freelance writing. Barb loves spending time with her nieces, playing games and relaxing by her pond. She’s excited about focusing on her health and getting back into the game of life. Get updates on Barb's progress on Facebook.
Filed under: Downsizing · Tags: Healthy Living
26 Responses to "There Is A Season"
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I love it love it love it. Thank you Barb, you are such an incredible blessing in my life. For me this is a time to invest in my grandson, it takes a lot of my energy otherwise I would love to walk with you, talk more with you…Thank you for the perspective you give us of what is important in life. Jesus is our anchor, isn’t He! Love you, Fran
Life is filled with seasons. I realize that your grandson is keeping you busy–it’s a blessing that you’re a part of his life. Enjoy this special season.
I just heard that song on the radio the other day and it does make you think. I need to play it in my head more often. The last couple weeks have been very hard to get motivated to do anything, even decorating for Halloween which is my favorite holiday. Thank goodness I have family and friends trying to keep me focused on the little things.
I’m glad you’re surrounded with family and friends Cheryl. There will come a day where you’ll feel like getting back into things. If you end up not decorating for Halloween this year, I hope you can at least take time and drive around and enjoy other people’s decorations. Hang in there!!!
Another inspirational article. And a great song!!
Thanks Beckie!
Loved this. Time is so short. Why wouldn’t we want to make the most of each day by being as healthy as possible? I commend you Barb. May you be encouraged on your journey to be the best you can be for God. We all want to be in God’s will, so why wouildn’t we want our physical bodies to be the best they can be as well? Blessings to you.
Thanks for the encouragement Elaine.
Barb, I will always think of you and your positive energy when I hear this song. You are an amazing and strong woman. I’m proud of your accomplishments. Sometimes it takes a few steps backwards to make us really appreciate the steps forward. Thank you for sharing another wonderful article and your journey.
Thanks Karen. The “backwards” steps are no fun, but you’re right, it does make you appreciate the steps forward.
So good for the reminder that there are seasons of life. And each season brings new challenges. Thanks for being a good example.
The beauty of seasons is that if you’re not thrilled with the current season, you know a new one is coming.
I really enjoyed your article, Barb. You raised some great points! You also did a great job connecting your points to a very popular song. You are an inspiration to so many and I see positive changes in you every Sunday. Continue to stay strong and devoted and God will lead the way.
Thanks April. I appreciate it.
Barb, I always loved that Byrds song, and then even more after Jesus came into my life!! I agree with you that there are times & seasons. Sometimes I’m more in a “fitness mode” than others. I’m thankful that the Lord helps me to get back there when I’m veering off course. Being in a time of transition is a time when I am especially vulnerable…….however, like you said, what can I learn from those times……
Your reflections were awesome!!! Thank you for sharing!! I loved the part about putting into practice thinking about others…….that’s a very healthy learned behaviour and you inspired me once again!!
Writing from “On the Road Again” here in Orlando, FL. (Nashville, Lord willing by Thurs.)
Love you, Sue
Thanks Sue. I’m encouraged by your desire to be healthy. I know you have your share of aches and pains, yet you keep at it.
Barb,
Your article brings up lots of thoughts and feelings that i have been experiencing over the past month. I’ve had a rocky time of it myself. Happy to say that i am back in my routine, beginning each morning at the gym. Although i did not lose any weight in October, i recognize that i was really out of whack, so it’s okay. It’s a big shift in attitude for me not to beat myself up over lack of performance. Gosh, i feel so healthy – mind and body!
Keep up your good work and keep providing inspiration to folks like me!
XO
You’re so right on Patti about not beating yourself up over lack of performance. There have been a few times this past year that in the past, I would’ve given up. I’m so thankful that I’m surrounded by support and that I no longer beat myself up when I go off course. This isn’t a diet…it’s a focus on healthy life changes.
Wow, wow, wow!!! Would you be my coach? I am actually doing several of the things you mentioned and can now see the things I need to change (Pogo, Facebook,Kindle time). Moderation in all things is a great key. Laughing…talking about Bob…in the summertime I used to hear the laughter floating from his kitchen window each night and want laughter rolling out my windows. Funny thing (no pun intended), Bill and I laugh every day! Sometimes we fall into bed at night and just lay there and giggle like 2 little kids and the more we laugh, the funnier things are!
We may not remember what was so funny the next morning, but we know we laughed and awake lighthearted. Priceless fuel for healing and we need a lot of that in the season we’re currently in, but the great thing is we’re in it together and each know (by experience) what the other is going through. Great motivation, Barb, keep it coming!
Wow! Thanks Marilyn! There’s a verse in Psalms or Proverbs that says that a merry heart is like medicine to the soul. It can bring healing!
You could also look at this time as the Autumn in your life. Just as the trees are shedding their leaves, you are shedding the pounds! And it’s equally as beautiful to be able to witness :-)
Awwww, thanks Amanda! By the way, you’re looking amazing! You’re living proof that a mom of 3 kids can have a great body! Keep up the good work!
Dear Barb,
‘THERE IS A SEASON’…Our friendship extends back several decades, and reading THERE IS A SEASON, I am reminded once again how you captured brilliantly the essence of Barbara Rae Bergerson. A person not all that different from three decades ago, and yet very different, because you were joined by many Barb’s during your ongoing journey. All those Barbara Rae’s are joined hand in hand giving you new strength, greater wisdom, always being at the ‘right place at the right time’ as our lives are meant to be. You did then, what you are doing now, taking care of your self, and by so doing,you are a positive force and a agent of love and encouragement.
For me, I need you were you are at and I thank you for that!
I have never doubted your SELF ESTEEM. Self Esteem does not require perfection, but to understand one’s intrinsic value. You have lived and understood that.
I enjoyed your analogy of holding the fallen leaf and having to let go. This reminded me two weeks past, I was hand mowing around a huge fig bush. The fall had slowed the grass growth, and now it was thinner and the low thin grass was punctuated by tall sprigs. As I approached with the mower, I noticed that the fig leaves had fallen straight down to the feet of the fig bush. A few had blown away with the coming and going of daily wind, but the lion share of the leaves lay trapped between the sprigs of grass. I was amazed at how nature takes care of herself. The trees of the forest and bushes too has everything needed to feed itself during the summer and drop their leaves to the ground and there feet, where the winter snows and spring rains break down the dead leaves and returns needed nourishment through out the summer to renew what it lost.
I have been enjoying the beauty these weeks of fall color. I realized in ‘death’, leaves were rich and glorious in color, I choose to believe, to help us forget it’s demise. The color was in that leaf from the moment it opened in full, from the bud. The chlorophyll, green in color, masked the internal color during the summer and exposed it in the fall, when the change in season depleted the Chlorophyll so the leaf could ‘die’ and fall off. Truly a brilliant play of balance and perfection.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS n. Biochem. “The process by which plants form carbohydrates from carbon dioxide, inorganic salts, and water through the agency of sunlight acting upon chlorophyll.”
To bring this to a close, a few days ago I heard an architect on TV say that home builders are encouraged to plant deciduous trees on the south and west exposure of a home. During the hot summer months the foliage shades the suns rays, keeping the home cooler and in fall, the bare trees allow the sun to warm the home in the cold of winter.
In conclusion Barb, you have expressed the balance of the barren and the lush growth we all experience in our lives, and how that all works for our betterment. Thank you for embracing that life, thank you, especially for living it.
Respectfully,
John A. Washburn
I believe that God puts people in our lives for a reason and a season….I hope we have a very long season as friends :)
I think you should write an inspirational book. And I will be the first to but one.
Well written, well written.
I meant buy one, not but one :)
This is my favorite season, with everything changing, you have captured so much here. Keep up the good work, and I can’t wait to see what the next season will bring!!