Seasons of Change
The transition of seasons can feel abrupt and overwhelming. I often catch myself ruminating on the impending changes that come with the winter season: slushy snowfalls, icy roads, and cold winds. We can all recognize that we move into different seasons each year. We don’t ask for it. Sometimes, we don’t even like it. But we know that change will happen. It is typically in those moments that I find the most room to reflect and ask myself, what does this season represent for me? Consider this: if instead, if we embrace the seasons of change for what they are, cycles of growth, a chance to grow within ourselves and get to know those around us with more intention and acceptance. In accepting change, whether we are ready or not, we can find true freedom and peace.
Here at Gilda’s Club, we have moved with intentionality by embracing the ever-changing climate of our world and offering programming that allows us to explore and embrace cultures, people, and seasons of life different from our own with our Community Conversations series. These conversations occur quarterly and offer an opportunity for us to tackle topics from health disparities in underserved populations to the effects cancer has on mental health. Join us for our upcoming Community Conversation: Understanding Mental Health on Monday, March 14, from 6:30pm – 8:00pm on Zoom, where panelists will discuss how mental health diagnoses can appear during a cancer journey and how to address it. You can sign up for this Education opportunity here.
As I love to do, I would like to leave you all a quote that will hopefully inspire a moment of reflection for whatever changes you are experiencing in this juncture of life:
“Even nature has hidden lessons for humankind underneath its silent saga. The trees teach us to give without discrimination, the seasons proclaim that time keeps changing for the better and the vastness of the sky bears the amount of love we should hold in our hearts for everyone we come across throughout the day.”
– Sanchita Pandey, Author
I hope you are able to hold space for yourselves to reflect, embrace and love those parts of your lives that are ever-changing. I hope you find the courage to accept the seasons of change with an open heart and gratitude. To help jump-start your reflection this season, I have highlighted some program offerings to help you through this journey. Consider signing up for any of these upcoming classes on our website:
- Establishing a Gratitude Practice (In-Person) – Tuesdays, January 11 – February 8 from 5:00pm – 6:30pm
- Community Conversations: Understanding Mental Health (Online) – Monday, March 14, from 6:30pm – 8:00pm
- Mindful Therapies: Occupational Therapy Techniques for Cancer Effects (Online) – Tuesday, March 1 from 12:00pm – 1:30pm
- Rare Cancer Support Group (Online) – Occurs on the 1st Tuesday of each month from 3:00pm – 4:30pm
- Food for Life: Cancer Prevention and Survival Series (Online) – Thursdays, January 20 – March 3 from 10:00am – 12:00pm
Sign up for these upcoming program offerings on our virtual program offerings page and in-person program offerings page, the My Gilda’s Club Minnesota app, or in your class registration account.
With love and gratitude,
Shaunequa James, MSW, LGSW
Program Director
612-227-2147 office | 952-767-7627 direct
10560 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka MN 55305
