In celebration of Texas finally experiencing some cold weather, I wanted to delve into the seasons we are fortunate to witness year after year. Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring – each one conjures distinct memories characterized by unique tastes, scents, and sensations.

Summer evokes memories of sunburns, hastily treated with aloe, half-melted ice cream cones leaving trails down our hands, the lingering scent of sunscreen in the car, and long days punctuated by gradual, warm sunsets.

Fall blankets the ground in a tapestry of red and orange leaves, while crisp air tousles our hair. It's the season of warm pumpkin spice lattes and cozy knitted sweaters wrapped around us like a comforting embrace.

Winter transforms the world with a layer of pristine snow, crunching underfoot as we navigate the cold. It's a season marked by chapped lips and the constant quest for relief, the soft glow of pine-scented candles in the kitchen, and the twinkle of lights adorning every corner.

Spring ushers in fresh dew that blankets the morning grass, inviting us to pick pastel wildflowers. It's a season of birdsong above our heads and the earnest pursuit of our New Year's resolutions.

Each season serves as a repository of memories gathered over the years. Much like the weather, our lives also cycle through distinct seasons, each bearing its own lessons, people, and places. We often label these "seasons" of our lives, such as childhood, high school, college, and the enigmatic phase of adulting where none of us truly comprehend what we're doing. Each of these life "seasons" conjures specific recollections, from family vacations to stages in our lives when we might have embraced certain styles or interests, or savored particular meals and scents that remain etched in our memory.

I hold a deep appreciation for seasons because they serve as a poignant reminder that change is an intrinsic part of life. This realization comforts me during challenging times, assuring me that whatever difficulties I face are transient. It also fosters gratitude for the ephemeral aspects of life. I take pride in the ability to look back at my past "seasons" with humor or pride, recognizing the distance I've traveled. This perspective fuels my anticipation for future life "seasons," whether it entails a new job, a new home, new friendships, hobbies, pets, or relationships. Nothing remains static. Embrace this truth as a liberating force, allowing it to free you from the burdens of the moment, enabling you to savor the present.

Be thankful for your last "season," express gratitude for your current one, and eagerly anticipate your next.