I stopped to take a photo of a vibrant green sumac tree. In a few weeks, that same tree will burst into shades of red, orange, or purple, signaling the transition from summer to fall.
This change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s been quietly brewing for months, with the moisture from spring rains and the warmth of summer days. Now, as cooler September mornings and evenings begin to settle in, the transformation is just around the corner.
Sumacs are known for their brilliant fall display, but their beauty goes beyond just the colors we see. Sumac trees offer much more throughout the year—creating shelter for wildlife and adding texture and life to the landscape. Their seasonal metamorphosis reminds me of how change works in our own lives. Often, it’s happening beneath the surface before we ever notice.
We tend to think of change as something we have to do, something we initiate. But sometimes, change is already happening, whether we’re aware of it or not. Life’s transformations—just like the sumac’s—often unfold naturally, shaped by the conditions around us.
As William Bridges wrote, “Change is situational. Transition, on the other hand, is psychological. It isn’t the events outside that make transitions so difficult—it’s the inner reorientation and self-redefinition.”
The tree knows it must shed its leaves and prepare for a new season, just as we must adapt and grow through the changes life brings us.
In the spirit of embracing change, pause and appreciate the subtle shifts happening around us—and within us. Just like the sumac, we are always evolving, even when we can’t yet see the full picture.
Two Links Du Jour:
Sumacs are known for fall color, but there is more to the show – Star Tribune
120 Uplifting Quotes About Change – Indeed
Two Minutes Du Jour 