The Autum Tree

Today was my last day at work; yesterday was my last day at my other job. I am grateful to all the clients, and coworkers who have taught me much, and enriched my life. I will miss you.

It is interesting how preparing to go away has motivated me to do things I believe are important but tend to put off, like doctors appointments, calling friends, cleaning, and even things that are not particularly important but probably should be done anyway like trying to organize the piles of papers I hide in the corners or my bedroom (well, at least I took them out of hiding so that I'm more likely to deal with them.)

It doesn't quite seem real yet, that in less than a week, I will be in New Orleans. As it gets colder here, I remind myself that next week I will be experiencing warmer weather. My turtlenecks and sweaters come out of hibernation for only one wearing, and a wash. I breathe in the fall air with greater awareness and appreciation as I anticipate more subtle seasonal changes in the weather, and major changes in many aspects of my life.
As I appreciate autumn, I find myself identifying with the trees.


The trees begin to show their colors, prepare to release their leaves;
slowly the branches become visible, vulnerable.
The accomplishments of previous seasons, fall to the ground,
like all leaves ever released they decay becoming the soil,
nourishing the roots, giving life.

Endings have begun,
Slowly I release roles, relationships, and allow the familiar to fade,
all that I let go of, invites me to vulnerability,
all that I let go of nourishes and sustains me.
Nothing really dies;
all is transformed.


Well, my piles of paper are calling, and the clock is ticking away.