Shannon D. Martin: 0:00

Hello, beautiful welcome back. I'm your host, hannon Martin, and welcome to another episode of this Thing Called Godness. Today, I'm inviting you into a personal reflection, something I think many of us can relate to. It's about stepping into a new season, when we're, our house is a bit quieter and our lives may look a little different than we expected. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I find myself in a different kind of season. My kids are celebrating with their friends this year and for the first time, I'll be spending a holiday without them. There's a mix of emotions in that, and I'm sure anyone who's experienced an empty nest season knows, but over time I'm learning that this quiet season has its own gifts, and today I'll be sharing a few thoughts on how to make peace with where we are right now, reflecting on a new season.

Shannon D. Martin: 1:03

Thanksgiving is usually a time of gathering, bustling preparations and laughter filling the rooms. This year, though, my holiday will be a little different. For the first time, I'll be celebrating without them. At first, the quiet felt overwhelming, a reminder of all the changes that comes with life seasons. Felt overwhelming, a reminder of all the changes that comes with life seasons. As I sit with it, yes, I'm beginning to see the season acquired as an opportunity, believe it or not. It's given me time to listen to my own voice, time to ask what do I want for myself in this chapter? What do I need to be or to feel fulfilled, and what might I want to pursue? Now and I have more space to think, I'm beginning to recognize that every season, even that seems quiet and lonely, can hold valuable lessons if we're willing to listen, embracing stillness and rediscovering.

Shannon D. Martin: 2:06

If you, too, are experiencing a season of quiet or change, whether it's due to loved ones moving away, a shift in family traditions or any other life transition, I encourage you to approach it as a time to reconnect with yourself. Here are a few ways on finding peace, and maybe they can be helpful to you too. Rediscover old passions or try new hobbies. As life changes, we often set aside hobbies or interests, especially while taking care of others. Now's a great time to pick them back up or try something you've always wanted to explore, anything that brings you a sense of joy or purpose.

Shannon D. Martin: 2:51

Connecting through writing journaling can be incredibly helpful for processing your emotions and finding clarity. Writing your thoughts down, even the ones you're unsure of, allows you to listen to yourself and better understand where you are emotionally, finding small routines that nourish you. Daily habits, whether it's a morning cup of coffee, reading a few pages of a book or winding down with music, can create a sense of stability. Little rituals like these can anchor us, helping us feel present and grounded, finding Meaning in Change. When our lives change, it's easy to feel that we're losing parts of ourselves, but in truth, these quiet times offer us the chance to rediscover who we are outside of our roles we've always held, we get to reconnect with parts of ourselves that may have been put on hold or explore new aspects that we've never known before.

Shannon D. Martin: 3:50

This season of quiet may be unfamiliar, but I'm starting to believe it's one of the most important seasons we'll ever experience. So if you, too, are spending this holiday in a new way, remember that every season has a purpose. Even in stillness, there's so much room to grow and to find what truly matters to you. Thank you for joining me for this personal reflection today. If this episode resonated with you, I'd love for you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen in. And, as you go through your own quiet moments, I encourage you to embrace them by journaling or spending quality time with yourself, because listening to ourselves is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

Shannon D. Martin: 4:36

Join me next time, where my guest will be Kristin Layne, an incredible practitioner in Somatic healing. She will be sharing insights about how reconnecting with our bodies can help us heal emotionally, especially during life's more challenging seasons. Until then, take care of yourself. Remember. Wellness isn't always loud or busy. Sometimes it's in the quiet moments that we find the most peace. Disclaimer I am not a licensed mental health professional. The information provided here is for general information alone purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you need help, please consult a qualified mental health professional.