The Power of Knowing What Season You’re In
Insights from my maternity leave planning on what shifts when we can name our personal seasons—and how to do it for yourself.
There are some times in our lives where a winter-like season arrives unexpectedly. A job ends. We lose a loved one. We break a leg and find ourselves stuck at home for a season.
Suddenly, life seems to stand still. We can feel that we have no choice but to pause, rest and turn inward. We enter a period of deep integration, evaluation, processing, and incubating what comes next.
Then, there are the times where we know a winter is coming. Maybe that winter is in the natural world. Maybe it's in our bodies, our work, our personal lives.
As I prepare for my first ever maternity leave beginning in May of 2026, I've been struck by how much I have been feeling a growing sense that an inner winter is coming—for both me and Sister Seasons.
It feels exciting yet full of unknowns. It feels long overdue yet a tiny part of me wants to resist it.
Yet having this seasonal archetype of winter as my guide has at least made it clear on what the invitation of this time will be.
And it’s provided practical insights into how to actually work with rather than against—it, so that it can be the catalyst for growth and transformation just like winter is within the natural world.
To help me, I literally found myself opening up the Cycles At Work: Winter Workshop I teach to impact-focused organizations and individuals, and reviewing the strategies nature utilizes during winter to enable regeneration. I have taught this workshop SO many times, but wow was it helpful to view it anew through the lens of planning family leave.
So as spring arrives in the northern hemisphere and fall arrives in the southern hemisphere, just a reminder that your body, life and work might be in their own seasons. And becoming aware of those seasons can make our experience of them not just easier, but so much more joyful, nourishing and transformative.
Before you move on with your day, take a moment to consider:
What seasons are you in right now? In your physical body, personal life, career, work or creativity?
What does that look and feel like? How are they showing up for you?
What feels supportive in this season? What doesn’t?
What actions can you take to honor those needs?
How does reframing this present experience as a temporary “season” shift your relationship to it?
And if you’re a woman or non-binary changemaker who’d like support to name and navigate these seasons you’re in, reach out to start a conversation. I'd love to help you find some relief and clarity with a little help from nature's cycles.
