Merrily We Roll Along
Seasons Change: Embracing Life's Transitions
As the twinkling lights and familiar carols of this holiday season fill the air, I find myself reflecting on the sheer contrast between where I was last Christmas and where I am now. Life, as unpredictable as it may be, has a way of reminding us that no season lasts forever, even when it feels like the storm clouds will never part. If you’re in the middle of a season that feels like it will never end, I want to encourage you: seasons do change, and often for the better.
A Year of Transformation
This time last year, I was in one of the most difficult seasons of my life. Just days before Christmas, I found myself navigating the heartbreak of an ectopic pregnancy after transferring our last embryo—our final attempt to expand our family. The physical pain paled in comparison to the emotional toll. It was as if I were mourning not just the pregnancy, but the closure of a chapter filled with so much hope, and the conflicting feelings of wanting the pregnancy to end on it’s own instead of wanting it to continue. Every sparkling light, every joyful song, every festive gathering felt like a reminder of what I had lost.
The grief was overwhelming, and it was hard to believe that better days could exist. It was a season of immense loss, yet in hindsight, it also marked the beginning of something new—a season of healing, growth, and rediscovery.
Now, just one year later, I’m writing this as the healthiest and happiest I’ve been in the last five years. I’m physically strong, mentally clear, and more present in my life than I thought possible during those dark moments. This Christmas season feels entirely different. The grief has softened into gratitude, and I’m determined to savor every second of the magic that this time of year brings with the family I am so fortunate to have. I share this not to diminish anyone’s struggles but to remind you that the season you’re in—no matter how painful—is not your forever.
Seasons Change—It’s Life’s Guarantee
One of life’s greatest (and most frustrating) truths is that nothing stays the same. The hard seasons feel eternal while you’re in them, yet they inevitably give way to something new. And it’s not just the challenging times that fade—joyful seasons shift, too. That’s the nature of life: it’s always moving, always evolving. The beauty lies in embracing each season for what it is and trusting that it’s shaping you for the next chapter.
Looking back, the me of 2023 couldn’t have imagined the peace and joy I feel now. And if I’d let fear take over—fear of never healing, fear of staying stuck—I wouldn’t have made space for the growth that came next. Because here’s the thing about seasons: they don’t wait for your permission to change, but you do need to be brave enough to walk into the new ones when they arrive.
The Universe Rewards the Brave
The turning point for me wasn’t some grand epiphany; it was a decision. I decided I wouldn’t let that heartbreak define me or dictate my future. I chose to take small, intentional steps toward healing, even when it felt impossible. I started prioritizing my mental and physical health—not because it would erase the pain, but because it gave me a foundation to rebuild and be the best version of myself
And let me tell you, the Universe notices when you choose bravery. It rewards you in ways you can’t predict. For me, that reward has been a renewed sense of self and a deep appreciation for the present moment. The energy I poured into healing has come back to me tenfold, not because life suddenly became perfect, but because I allowed myself to believe that better days were possible.
Breaking the Cycle of Self-Induced Anxiety
One of the hardest parts about being in a tough season is the anxiety that comes with it—the “what if this lasts forever?” mindset that creeps in and plants roots. It’s natural to feel that way; our brains are wired to catastrophize when we’re overwhelmed. (Thanks for that gem of evolution, Darwin). Reality Check: the fear of hardship lasting forever is often more paralyzing than the hardship itself.
When I look back on last year, I realize how much unnecessary anxiety I carried. I was so caught up in the fear of what my future would (or wouldn’t) look like that I couldn’t see the path ahead. If I could go back and tell myself anything, it would be this: Trust the process. Trust that this season will shift, even if you can’t see how yet.
If you’re reading this and feeling stuck in a season that feels endless, I encourage you to pause. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that hard times don’t last forever. Give yourself permission to believe in a future that’s brighter than you can imagine right now. It’s not blind optimism; it’s courage. And the beautiful thing about courage is that it grows with every step forward. Channel your inner Mulan- Let’s get down to business (to defeat the Huns…)
Finding Joy in the Now
This year, I’ve made it a mission to embrace the holiday season with all the joy and wonder I can muster. I’ve crafted with my daughter, decorated the house from top to bottom, and especially let myself get a little teary-eyed during a Hallmark movie marathon. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect; it’s about choosing to be present in this season of life, knowing it won’t last forever either.
I’ve also learned to let go of the pressure to make every moment Pinterest-perfect. The holidays are messy and chaotic and wonderfully imperfect, and that’s what makes them magical. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from last year, it’s this: the little moments—the laughter, the hugs, the cozy nights in—are what truly matter. They’re perfectly imperfect. And those moments exist in every season, if we’re brave enough to notice them.
What the Future Holds
If you’re still in a tough season, I want to leave you with this: you really don’t know what the future holds, and that’s a good thing. A year ago, I couldn’t have imagined the strength, clarity, and joy I feel now. I couldn’t have known how much I would grow or how deeply I would come to appreciate this season of my life.
Life will surprise you in the best ways if you let it. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it. So, take a step forward. Be brave. Trust that the Universe has something beautiful in store for you.
This holiday season, whether you’re in a joyful place or struggling to hold it together, remember that seasons change. They always do. And when they do, you’ll be stronger, wiser, and more ready than ever to embrace what comes next. You’ve got this.
You’re Doing Great,
Samantha
