“ This is a paradox that repeats in our lives: having to give up one thing in order to have another.”

Freeman Patterson, Gardening, p.76

The seasons are changing with that late summer beautiful, hot days but nippy nights.

As per most season changes I have some resistance and or restlessness as I try and hold on to what is and not move forward.

I love Freeman Patterson’s book http://www.freemanpatterson.com/book12.htm on gardening and photography, both of which are some of my favorites. He states “ the older I get the wilder my garden! “Also comments on how we make choices both in the garden and in our days lives, that at the time we may regret or find difficult to do, but in the long run necessary for further growth. For instance, the pruning of the last rose blooms that were once very magnificent and blowing in the wind, or why am I watering the small tomato plants that have seeded themselves when I know that frost is but weeks, if not days away.

The pruning is necessary for next year’s growth, holding on and moving forward such a delicate balance. I know from professional background that there is resistance to change, even if it means the maintenance of a dysfunctional relationship or family system. We cling to what we know because we consider it safe and comfortable, perhaps thinking our circumstances are within our total control and this is an illusion.

Personally what is my resistance my holding on? I know I enjoy the summer and spring so much and there have been too few in recent years in which I have been in Edmonton for a complete season.

Watching the yard and garden complete the growth cycle is very satisfying. Thought the other day” at least when I am frustrated with other projects in which I am engaged, weeding is the flower beds, shows immediate results and completion! “  To be able to pick Saskatoons, cherries and raspberries from my yard or fresh veggies or herbs for a salad or omelet has been rewarding. Even when I do some volunteer gardening or fruit picking, there is the realization that it is not necessarily the end product, but the process that provides the satisfaction.

Choices are often limited by the circumstances in which we find ourselves and our attitude may be the only thing we have control over.

However, our choice here can bring devastation and confusion or perhaps joy, clarity, opportunity to our lives.