Counselling with Susan

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Naming Your Season: Recognising Where You Are in Life


Life, much like the seasons, moves in cycles. Sometimes it feels like everything is blooming, with new opportunities and hope emerging—our personal spring or summer. Other times, it feels like life has slowed down or even become challenging, like the quiet of winter or the shedding of autumn. But what if we don’t always recognise the season we’re in? What if it’s not as simple as spring or winter, but rather a time of loss, growth, or perhaps even stuckness?

Taking a moment to name your season—whether it’s a season of joy, grief, healing, or change—can help you become more aware of where you are right now. And in that awareness, there’s often comfort and clarity.

Why Naming Your Season Matters

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, not stopping to reflect on how we’re actually feeling or where we are in our journey. Naming your season isn’t about labelling yourself, but more about acknowledging that right now, you might feel joyful, or maybe you’re in a time of uncertainty. Whatever it is, naming it can help you make sense of what’s happening inside you.

By putting words to how you feel, you’re giving yourself permission to recognise your emotions and where you are in life. This process can bring understanding, a sense of grounding, and even some peace.

Finding Your Season

Sometimes it’s easy to identify the season you’re in—you may know you’re grieving or adjusting to a significant life change. But other times, it’s not as obvious. You might feel restless, stuck, or in a place of stillness that’s hard to define.

Here are some questions that might help you name your season:
  • How am I really feeling each day?
  • What emotions are coming up for me most often?
  • Do I feel like I'm moving forward or standing still?
  • What do I find myself needing or longing for?
  • Is there anything in my life that feels unresolved or unclear?

The season you're in may not fit neatly into a label like "spring" or "winter"—maybe it’s a season of waiting, or perhaps it’s a time of transition. No matter what it is, naming it can be an important step towards understanding yourself better.

Accepting Your Season

Once you’ve named your season, the next step is to accept it. It’s not about trying to rush through it or change it—it’s about recognising that this is where you are right now. Life doesn’t stay the same, and seasons will always change. Knowing that can help you feel less stuck when things are tough and more present when things are good.

If you find yourself in a season that feels difficult—whether it’s a time of grief, uncertainty, or feeling lost—be gentle with yourself. It’s okay to be in this place, and it won’t last forever. On the other hand, if you’re in a season of joy or contentment, let yourself experience that fully too.

How Counselling Can Support You

It’s not always easy to identify or understand the season you’re in on your own. Sometimes, talking it through with someone else can bring new insights. In counselling, you have a space to reflect, gain clarity, and explore your feelings in a safe, confidential environment.

If you’re feeling unsure about where you are or how to move forward, counselling can help you process those emotions, giving you the tools to navigate your current season with greater understanding.

Conclusion

Life is full of seasons, each with its own rhythm. By naming the season you’re in—whether it’s one of growth, healing, or change—you can gain a better sense of where you are and how to navigate it. Remember, each season has something to teach us, and with time, you’ll move into the next one.

Wherever you are today, take a moment to reflect and name your season. And if you ever need support along the way, I’m here to help.