Category: Monday Motivation

Change of Seasons

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Yesterday, I was out on my patio watering my plants. I swear I didn’t see this much yellow (there was no red) in the jungly vines in the woods. The heat & humidity are with us & probably will be all month (maybe into October), but there are little signs the seasons are changing. As I started to write this, a stray rainstorm blew in and yellow leaves fell to the ground. It really feels like autumn is on the way, now.

autumn leaves, red leaves, change in seasons, seasons change, yellow leaves, eastern north carolina, elaina avalos

I always find some renewed hope when the seasons change. There’s not a lot externally that’s changed for me, though change is what I long for. I long for a new place, new people, new relationships and opportunities. I’m waiting for my greatest dream. Usually, when I want something new I just go do it. I go get it. I make the move. I make the change.

For the first time in ages, I feel the pull toward the change, but know my change of seasons isn’t quite upon me yet. There were a couple moments this weekend when that made me uncomfortable. I like change and when I’m ready, I’m ready. It goes against every instinct in me to remain in the same place.

autumn leaves, change in seasons, seasons change, yellow leaves, eastern north carolina, elaina avalos

But something is keeping me grounded. Which tells me God is actually at work here. And while I may never understand the reason, I know the timing is off for the change I so long for.

So, if you, like me – are longing for change but it eludes you so far – maybe stop to soak in the change in the seasons. Let nature’s shifting & changing be enough right now (as hard as that may be).

As I enjoy one last day off on this holiday weekend, I wanted to say that I hope you will find the moments to enjoy what each season brings with it – even when it feels uncomfortable.

autumn leaves, lantana, pollinator garden change in seasons, seasons change, yellow leaves, eastern north carolina, elaina avalos
knock out roses, pollinator garden change in seasons, seasons change, yellow leaves, eastern north carolina, elaina avalos
autumn leaves, lantana, pollinator garden change in seasons, seasons change, yellow leaves, eastern north carolina, elaina avalos
knock out roses, pollinator garden change in seasons, seasons change, yellow leaves, eastern north carolina, elaina avalos

Pretty flower photos, from my patio, for no reason…

See Reality As It Is

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“To think in terms of either pessimism or optimism oversimplifies the truth.
The problem is to see reality as it is.”
~Thích Nhất Hạnh

After a long journey through loss and grief and dreams delayed, I stumbled onto something unexpected – acceptance. I’m not going to say I don’t have moments of doubt, but I am saying that there is a great deal of freedom that comes with accepting the situation as it is. And frankly, that acceptance is super motivating in other ways.

Here’s to a great Monday & week!

Never Give Up

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Photo used in image, by: Ali Kazal

Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. – Harriet Beecher Stowe

It’s Monday. If you’ve been around here a while, you know it’s not my favorite day of the week. By the time this post publishes, I’ll be getting ready for work. This is my reminder, heading into a new week – that I can’t give up. And neither can you. Keep pushing, friends.

What Comes Next?

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mhn, morgan harper nichols, i hope you can find peace while breathing deep, elaina avalos, elaina m. avalos
By Morgan Harper Nichols

“I hope
you can find
peace
while
breathing
deep
without
knowing
what
comes
next.”
– Morgan Harper Nichols

What I know for certain is that life is uncertain. Making decisions about the future is tough sometimes. As I apply for jobs in California and various other locations around the country, the unknowns are mounting. What I don’t know, far outweighs what I do know. The challenge in moments like these is to keep my eyes fixed on God. My goal throughout this journey is being at peace with whatever comes my way.

I’m always up for an adventure. It has been awhile since I’ve had one, however. I think I’m due for one. So while I don’t know where the path is leading, I’m at peace.