Midlife Myths & Realities: Andrea M. Slominski, Ph.D.
Even though another heat wave is coming our way here in Southern California, Fall is on its way.
“It was a gentle tap on the shoulder, “Change is Coming.””
Change Of The Seasons:
I noticed it first about a week ago when I was working in the garden. The sun felt different, less intense. It stopped me in my tracks. It was a gentle tap on the shoulder, “Change is Coming.”
I always experience a sweet sadness at the change of the seasons. It reminds me of the fleeting gift of life and the too-swift passing of the years. And because the end of the summer offers the opportunity to reassess which goals I accomplished, which projects are ready for a bountiful harvest, and which ones need to be reconsidered.
The Full Harvest moon rose this Fall, on September 10th. Many cultures have ancient traditions that are hung on the Harvest Moon, which include giving thanks and celebrating the earth’s bounty.
Close on the heels of the Harvest Moon is the Autumnal Equinox. This year it’s on September 22. During the 24 hours of the Equinox, there will be equal parts of day and night. Then the days will get shorter as we head toward the long metaphorical dark of winter.
Harvest Moon:
These two events are the harbingers of change or completion and an invitation to gather the fruits of our labors from spring and summer. It’s a time of gratitude (thus Thanksgiving) and celebration. It can also be a time of introspection and deep thinking about what is left undone, what didn’t flourish and blossom as we’d hoped.
“Many of life’s great lessons happen in the underworld, in the dark and deep places of our psyches. “
In ancient Greek mythology, this was the time of year that Persephone returned to the underworld and her husband, Hades. Many of life’s great lessons happen in the underworld, in the dark and deep places of our psyches. It is the space that holds the loss of innocence and the cultivation of wisdom. Persephone resides with Hades, ruling as Queen of the Underworld, until Spring and the world’s rebirth.
As we move into the Fall, I think this is a great time to take some time to gather our thoughts—just a brief pause, a deep breath, and then into the Holidays. If you keep a journal, below are some writing prompts for Fall. The Power Of The Seasons.
3 Writing Prompts For Bounty And Blessings:
- Where are the bounty and the blessings in my harvest this year?
Is there anyone I want to thank? - What goals was I unable to complete this summer? Why?
Is there anyone who can mentor me in this goal(s)? - What have I learned about myself?
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About the Author:
Andrea M. Slominski, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, and women’s midlife coach. During her dissertation research and study, she explored the new life stage for women that has emerged over the past 100 years.
Naming this new life stage, from ages 45-70, Regency, Dr. A. has spoken at conferences, published articles, and coached women to make the most of their emerging power years. Dr. A. guides women 45+ through the often-tumultuous transformations during perimenopause, midlife, and menopause. She uses tools that include creativity, story, mythology, imagination, ceremony, and ritual. If you need support for your Regency years, including all the changes of midlife and menopause, I’m here for you. Email me at
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