Blog Series: Embracing the Changing Seasons Part 1

 

Part One: Transitioning from Summer to Fall — A Time for Reflection

As summer’s warmth fades into the crispness of fall, we are reminded that life moves in seasons, both externally and internally. Summer often symbolizes freedom—long days, travel, fun, and lightheartedness. Fall, on the other hand, invites us to pause, breathe, and reflect. Just as the leaves let go, we too are called to release what no longer serves us so that growth can continue.

This transitional moment offers a natural checkpoint:
- What have you accomplished this year so far?
- What emotional habits have guided your choices?
- Where have you felt most aligned with your purpose?

Reflection isn’t about judgment or criticism—it’s about awareness. Awareness is the first step in Emotional Dexterity, the process I describe in Beyond Emotional Intelligence. By tuning in to your emotions, you gain insight into the emotional drivers (the reactive forces such as fear, stress, or frustration) that may have shaped your actions this year. At the same time, you can begin cultivating emotional creators—emotions like gratitude, joy, curiosity, and peace—that lead to healthier choices and more meaningful results.

Fall provides a symbolic backdrop for this shift. Just as nature sheds leaves, you can choose to shed patterns of thinking or reacting that keep you stuck. Maybe you’ve noticed negative self-talk, distractions, or old habits resurfacing. Instead of holding onto them, fall reminds us to let go with grace and gratitude for the lessons learned.

This season also calls us to harvest. Think back on the past months: What positive seeds did you plant in spring and summer that are now bearing fruit? Did you deepen relationships? Build new skills? Take steps toward your goals? Even small wins matter. Emotional Dexterity teaches us that every emotion and every choice is feedback. Reflection helps us gather these lessons and carry forward what works, while releasing what does not.

The transition into fall is therefore both grounding and liberating. It’s not about regret or perfection—it’s about growth. By reflecting with honesty and compassion, you prepare yourself to enter the final stretch of the year with clarity, energy, and intention.

✨ This is Part One of a Two-Part Series on the Changing Seasons. Stay tuned for Part Two, where we’ll look ahead to the final months of the year and how you can refocus on your unfinished goals with renewed strength and purpose.

About the Author & Stay Connected

Dr. Drew Gold is an Associate Professor of Management at Saint Leo University and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina. His areas of expertise include technology and innovation management, research methods and statistics, strategic management, and personal and professional development. He has spent over a decade developing his concept of Emotional Dexterity, which is reflected in his book “Beyond Emotional Intelligence: Never Have Another Bad Day!”

Dr. Gold is married and lives with his wife and two crazy cats in Tampa, Florida. He loves to travel and is a master scuba diver trainer and loves college sports, especially his Ohio State Buckeyes! O-H-

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#FallReflections #SeasonOfChange #MindfulAwareness #EmotionalDexterity #GratitudePractice #LifeBalance #PersonalGrowthJourney #NeverHaveAnotherBadDay



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