Seasons of life & how to work with them

PART TWO: Working With the Season You’re In

It’s one thing to name your season—it’s another to know how to live in it, especially if it’s not the one you wanted.

The good news? You don’t have to fight where you are. You can work with it, even if it’s not ideal.

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1. Recognizing Your Season

Not sure what season you're in? Ask yourself:

· Do I feel like I'm starting something, finishing something, or in between?

· Am I energized, tired, curious, unmotivated?

· Do I want to move forward—or rest and reflect?

· Am I more focused on what’s next—or what just happened?

There’s no “right” answer here. Just notice what’s true for you, without judgment.

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2. What Each Season Needs From You

Winter – Rest, Refill, Reflect

· Don’t force productivity. It’s okay to take a step back.

· Focus on inspiration: read, walk, create with no pressure.

· Use this time for planning, journaling, or just being still.

· Rest is not a waste—it’s a rebuild.

Spring – Experiment and Ease In

· Try small projects without huge expectations.

· Let yourself make mistakes. Learning is messy.

· Keep things playful. Don’t overcommit too soon.

· Nurture ideas without rushing them.

Summer – Do the Work, Stay Grounded

· Use your energy wisely. Structure helps.

· Make space for rest even during busy periods.

· Stay focused on your priorities.

· Don’t say yes to everything—protect your energy.

Autumn – Finish, Reflect, Let Go

· Wrap things up—even imperfectly.

· Celebrate what you’ve done.

· Let go of ideas, projects, or expectations that no longer fit.

· Give yourself permission to not know what’s next yet.

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3. Transitioning Between Seasons

Shifts between seasons can feel disorienting. One minute you’re in flow, and the next, you’re exhausted or unsure what to do.

Here’s how to move through the transitions:

· From Winter to Spring: Watch for sparks. Follow small curiosities. Don’t expect a full comeback overnight.

· From Spring to Summer: Build systems that support consistent work. Let momentum grow naturally.

· From Summer to Autumn: Slow down. Acknowledge what’s working—and what’s not.

· From Autumn to Winter: Rest without guilt. Clean the slate. Reflect and recharge.

Mark the transition if you can. Even a simple note to yourself can help: “I’m moving into a different kind of energy right now.”

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Final Thoughts: Stay Connected to the Bigger Picture

Creative life in particular and life in general isn’t about always being “on.” It’s about listening—to your body, your mind, your instincts—and making room for the natural shifts in energy, focus, and passion.

Sometimes, you’ll be in a season you didn’t expect. That doesn’t mean you’re behind. It just means things are changing. And change is okay.

By recognizing the season you’re in—and responding to it instead of resisting it—you’ll stay more balanced, more energized, and more connected to your work.

No matter the season, you're still growing.