Changes are happening. We expect them at this time of year — leaves turning colour and drifting to the ground, blossom heads crumpling and wild grasses flattening into gold and brown. Despite the exceptional sunshine and continuing daytime warmth, we’re beginning to turn up thermostats against the chill of evenings and hunt our favourite sweaters from the back of closets.
Even as changes herald the death of a season, unique beauty lingers. With its ending also comes hope — seed pods and reminders of what will come again. Hope stands out against a fading backdrop, holding up its promise. It has me pondering a comparison with my writing.
Voice is what makes one person’s writing stand out from another’s. There is a distinctive ‘something’ that identifies us with our words. My unique voice is stronger in my non-fiction than in my fiction, and yet it’s the writing of fiction that brings me so much satisfaction. I love creating characters, plopping them into difficult situations and helping them slog through to find solutions. But if there is nothing exceptional about the stories, should I be wasting my time on them? Wouldn’t my energy be better spent writing in the zone where my ability appears to be stronger? Do I need a shove to get moving in another direction?
Or am I simply reflecting the decline around me… perhaps in need of a time of dormancy, to sit out this cycle and rebuild strength for a fresh approach?
I’ll get over this mood, but I’m sure the questions will remain. How do you know when you are where you’re meant to be?
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“Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change – this is the rhythm of living.
Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope.
And out of hope, progress.”
Bruce Barton
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“For as long as Earth lasts,
planting and harvest, cold and heat,
Summer and winter, day and night
will never stop.”
Genesis 8:22 (The Message)
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MUSINGS 
I love this post. I think I know where I am meant to be when I feel peace in my life. Thanks for reminding me…..I love the pictures you take, you are an inspiration to me….
Love when you do the change of seasons postings, especially ones with pictures 🙂
Christi Corbett
Interesting question, Carol. Sometimes, I think we have to take it on faith. And sometimes, every once in a great while, we’ll find that inner ‘zing,’ that sense of harmony and all’s-right-with-the-world-ness that affirms where we are. I think part of the journey is the joy of searching for and finding those zing moments. May you find one soon, dear Carol. And hang in with the fiction – see if you can’t capture that voice in a novel as well as an essay. I’ll bet you can. I’ll bet you can!
Personally, I think our energies are best spent on the things that bring us joy. (Not sayin’ those are the ONLY things worth our time/energy, just that joy is a good indicator that we’re doing what we’re meant to do.)
Reflection is good. Even dormancy is good…like you said, it’s a time of rebuilding — preparing for new growth. I hope you find some clarity and renewed energy in this beautiful fall season!
BTW, I love that quote about the ebb-and-flow rhythm of life…so true! 🙂
Ah, that question! I think I would answer differently a year ago. Because where I am and what I’m doing isn’t peaceful, it doesn’t always feel good, and somedays I still want to run away… but there’s just this knowing that right here is the place for now. I’m learning things. I’m writing more. My faith is growing. If I were in an easier place, in a place that “fits” me better, I don’t think those good things would be happening.
And, I love this post!
Thanks for stopping in here today, everyone. I’ve appreciated reading your thoughts about changes. And Brooke is probably on to something — sometimes the “easier” places don’t provide the opportunities to grow, and who doesn’t benefit by growth?
I think I’m always where I need to be, just not always with the correct frame of mind. Actually, Carol, I’m not sure. I’m learning to live in the moment instead the past. It’s much harder to do than I had hoped, but I’m keeping steadfast.
Beautiful post. Your voice gives me much comfort.
We go through seasons of preparation, productivity, and pondering. Transitional times are the hardest because it means letting go of the familiar and moving into uncharted territory. Right now, I’m in that place of transition.
I suppose being in transition, as Susan mentions, necessitates dealing with things as we come face to face with them, thus, as Joylene says, trying to living in the moment. It isn’t easy, but it’s possible.