Change the Clocks!

This weekend is Daylight Saving Time - that special time of year when we run around the house changing all the clocks one hour ahead. The minute you think you have them all accurate, you find one that still needs an update. Don't forget the one in the car. And now we have to also remember that the smarter clocks change themselves. Ah, technology.

I used to hate Daylight Saving Time. Losing that one precious hour would throw me off until Autumn... when we scramble to update all the clocks once again. We get so giddy about having an "extra hour" in the Fall that we don't realize we probably use all sixty minutes doing this time-change dance each year.

When was the last time you heard of a "drive" for plastics, rubber or newspaper? Clothing designs in the 1940's were altered to reduce "trimmings" so that America wasn't generating unnecessary waste of materials. As conservation efforts for wars have been disregarded, I admit I'm confused why our country still practices this ritual. (Except Arizona, which must still have confusion when calling people in other states.)

Maybe our government leaders just insist on messing with the inner clocks of today's kids since they endured it and survived. Maybe a bill can't be passed to stop the clock shuffles because getting anything passed in D.C. is such a challenge. Or maybe they can't all agree on that either!

However boggled my mind gets on why we do the things we do, now that I'm typically up before sunrise and I yearn to be outside as long as possible - and I just hate being cold - changing my clocks an hour ahead is a chore I now look forward to doing.

More daylight hours means more sunlight and more warmth. Warmth outside, inside and on the deck.

I now love to change the clocks. It symbolizes the changing seasons. Though I am not an advocate of Winter, I am assured that the sun is returning and all will be well again. It is the promise of renewal and reminds me that even cold temperatures, in time, shall pass.

Seasons Change

Cooler temperatures, trees preparing to drop leaves, the season is changing. Autumn is still almost two weeks away, but nature is preparing herself for the changes.

Some people love changing seasons. It's one of the changes, overall, that humans accept readily. Okay, maybe not ALL of us are eager for Winter, but we do know what to expect.

There can be specific reasons for not looking forward to a change of season. Perhaps the traditional holidays bring stress. Family expectations can certainly affect one's anticipation of seasons and changes. If you have lost a treasured member of your family or a dear friend, perhaps that loss or sadness has you dreading any upcoming events. You will miss that person.

Maybe a past relationship was developed during a particular season. Many memories can be challenging to relive, especially when those thoughts and feelings pop up and surprise you. Things that you thought you had put to rest can sneak up on you when you least expect it - by the smells of fresh autumn pastries, warm crackling of a bonfire, sounds of a football stadium.

Life changes that coincide with holidays or seasons can be more difficult to grow from. It takes more work and more positive focus. Yet to go on, complete, the grief needs to be accepted and processed.

Let it go. Let yourself be sad about it - temporarily. Let your memories be respected, acknowledged and put to rest. Let the new season be brand new for you.

Autumn, Thanksgiving, preparing for Christmas (or any Winter holiday you celebrate) - it can be overwhelming. Change your focus and let yourself learn from nature. The cycle will continue... so will you. There are so many beautiful opportunities, so many blessings to focus upon. I wish them all to you... along with a cup of hot apple cider and slice of pumpkin pie straight from the warm oven.

Cheers to Change.