Leah Griffin

The trees during each season, growing to their fullest.

As each season transitions to the next, my mind prepares to adjust to the many upcoming changes in my life.

Many people view season changes as nothing but an introduction to new weather. However, I view this as a welcoming experience to a new era of my life; ultimately leading me to who I truly am, one season at a time.

As fall leaves become an irritating mess on the ground, I see them as a path, showing me where the next months will take me. Teaching me that though I am leaving the beautiful summer period behind, the new winter season holds many more opportunities for me. My closet also adjusts to this change. Lululemon athletic shorts turn into baggy jeans and light jackets. As the warm summer nights become frigid late-night study sessions, my soul is met with a new version of myself. Staying up until two in the morning and spending time gossiping with my younger sister become a strict bedtime at ten, waking up at exactly 5:25 a.m. each morning. Though I miss these warm summer nights more than anything, I realize deep down that there is no reason to dread these memories I once made, as many are held for me in the future. Instead, I anticipate the many memories during this period of my life, attempting to make the best of this chilling season, before it all disappears just as the warm summer did.

The impending winter season stands out to many as the “season of depression.” However, for me, it is much more. The incomparable feeling of fresh snow on the ground reminds me that though the amazing time I had during the autumn will fall into nothing but memories, new ones will come along with the fresh snow laid across the road. Light jackets turn into winter coats, as the weather continues to drop, and as the temperatures decrease rapidly, a tranquil serenity awakens me. Despite my anxieties about the nearing seasons, I recognize that the present moment holds far more promise. Rather than dwelling on my worries about leaving the past behind, I strive to savor this bittersweet season for what it is.

Spring is the season of growth and hope. The roads grow from beautiful patches of fresh snow to dirty slush that has been driven over so many times that it can no longer be considered snow. Snowfall transitions into short rain showers, washing away the memories I once made during the frigid winter. As my winter wardrobe transitions to floral skirts I slowly begin to introduce shorts back into my regular rotation of clothing. I age with each day that passes by, anticipating the return of the warm weather. Through taking down the holiday decorations and preparing for the upcoming season, I dwell on the memories I made in the cold winter season, not realizing that in those very moments, I made my most sacred memories. The sounds of quiet raindrops remind me of the nights I once spent sneaking out on harmless walks late at night with my best friends, and the blooming tulips of the spring season bring back recollections of rekindled friendships with old friends.

When the season of summer rolls back around, I expect to feel finer than the prior seasons; however, I don’t. I still enjoy the glorious feeling of warm air pressed against my skin and the beating sun blinding my eyes, but I can’t help but regret not living life to the fullest during the rest of the year. Through the cold nights I spent praying for the warm weather to return as soon as possible, I now regret taking advantage of the cold weather I was granted, as I now lay in bed with sweat beating down my scorching hot back, wishing for the cold weather back. Instead of taking what I have for granted, I try my hardest to enjoy the whole year to the best of my ability, knowing it won’t last forever.