Falling into Change: Lessons from Autumn – Anderson Connect

Autumn is upon us, in a riot of red and orange and soft yellow hues, and we’re suddenly aware of how much beauty can come when the world is in a state of change. Like the shifting of the seasons, and letting go of the leaves, we too are most alive and capable when we’re surrendering to the flow of life, allowing the present moment to dazzle us.

Although nature is falling around us, it does so with a blaze and a promise of rest through the winter and rejuvenation in the spring. Our lives too at times can take this course, when we feel we’re having to let go of more than we’re given, for a season. But if we can just hold on, persevere through the challenge, and dark, then hope and light and rebirth are indeed possible.

You, as Anderson students, share stories as rich as October’s colours, and every day in your choice to remain steadfast in taking your careers and lives to new levels, we find ourselves more awed by you than the most spectacular of fall days.

This month’s Anderson Connect is to remind you of the wonder you bring to our college and inspire you as you continue to embrace change and its rewards.

Today’s read is approximately 4 minutes.

Inside this Edition:

• A Thought to Ponder
• A Short Story to Inspire
• 1 Short Video to Motivate

A Thought to Ponder

“Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.”- Delia Owens, Where the Crawdads Sing

A Short Story to Inspire

The Four Seasons of Life ~ A king had four sons. To teach them an important lesson he decided to ask them to visit a cherry tree in the deep forest of their kingdom.

During the peak of winter, he asked his eldest son to go and see the tree, come back and offer a description of it. The prince came back and told that the tree was barren, old, and hopeless. Not even birds would come near. It looked useless and maybe it would be better to cut it down and use the wood before it rots.

During the middle of the spring, the king asked his second son to visit the tree. The prince came back and told that the tree was not barren, rather it was full of beautiful cherry blossoms and looked young and promising. The tree was surrounded by butterflies and bees enjoying its flowers.

Then, in the summer the king sent his third son to visit the tree. When the prince returned, he relayed that there were no blossoms, rather the tree was loaded with delicious cherries and looked mature and valuable. Many birds were living on the tree and enjoying the fruits.

Finally, in autumn the king asked his youngest son to go and see the tree. The prince returned and described that the tree now had no fruit or flowers as his brothers described. But it looked beautiful with its coloured leaves of lovely shades of gold, red and orange. It looked like an ideal object for a painting.

Then the wise king asked his sons “What did you learn from this experience?”

The youngest son spoke up and shared his understanding:

• Like the tree, we experience different seasons of life, and we are greatly affected by them.
• We should not judge our life based on only the current season in our life.
• Every season has a purpose.
• No matter whatever the current season is, it will change again. We must adapt to, and embrace change, flowing with life just as the tree does.

*Original author unknown

1 Short Video to Motivate

Believe It – Change Starts with You!

We wish you a month of being awed by the glorious painting of nature as it unfolds, cozy sweaters and warm autumn sun to ward off any chilly breeze, tenacity as you embrace change and an unwavering belief in how remarkable you are and how bright the future is going to be.

Stay brilliant ~ Soar on!

~ Your Anderson College Team