As the dark sky intrudes closer and closer, minute by minute, bringing the end of summer and the beginning of winter. When the veil between life and death shrinks, and the memories of the past seem to be more pronounced than during other times of the year.
I pondered about these summer months and the lessons that came along. This summer was a time of reflection and discovery. Lessons came from every corner and all directions, thus reiterating the need to remain present.
Reflecting on the summers from my childhood and early adulthood, the people that have come and gone throughout the years, the places I’ve been, the mistakes, and the different mindsets I was in back then vs the one I’m in currently. Ensuring that those mistakes do not repeat themselves. Learning to credit yourself for how far you have come even though you think you have not accomplished anything worthwhile.
Discovering a deeper understanding of what it means to be a human and the little things that make us who we are. What is it that you want? What is it you do not have? Resulting in finding or creating ways to try and get it. Having meaningful conversations with people is one way to discover more than just our differences in life but also our similarities, how they can empathize with you, and the analogous situations we often find each other in. Discovering the importance of picking and choosing the battles you decide to fight, we all have battles we keep to ourselves. There is a need to make sure the battle is worth fighting because nothing is worse than wasting time and resources on losing battle. Ironically, the most brutal battle is the one against our own minds. The war must be won, so if you lose a battle, it is not the end; dust off and keep fighting. It will pay off eventually; at least, we hope it will.
During these cooler months, I feel most connected with my faith, though while in the heat of the summer, it felt like I was and still am being tested for something on the horizon.
Whatever it is, however it comes. I will be ready.
Peyton.
