Jessie Rex Services, LLC

Experiencing autumn in the Ozark Mountains is an experience like no other. Every year, these mountains make the list of places to see in the fall. The view in late October is simply breathtaking.

 

Even surrounded by such beauty, I can often become narrowly focused, and instead of seeing what is happening around me, I start to feel anxious when I think that in just a month, the weather will turn very cold. I, like many others, do not like feeling cold. So much so that when the leaves begin to change, I start mentally preparing myself for what is to come.

 

I do realize that this sounds a little crazy. It also makes me think and start turning inward to examine other areas of my life where I give my thoughts too much permission to take over. This is what leads to worry and stress. One thing I have little patience with in my life is the constant stress and worry. If I find that I have these feelings for more than a few days, I know it is time to take action.

 

Evaluate – What exactly am I worried about? Am I simply creating stress due to fear of the unknown? If I am creating an issue over something that hasn’t happened yet, then I am wasting valuable energy. You can deal with facts as they happen, and they are usually way less complicated than what I create in my mind.

 

Work with the Facts – When you know what you are dealing with, then knowledge is power. I remember hearing this phrase when I was younger and just rolling my eyes. Now that I am older, I roll those eyes back where they belong! When you understand what is happening, you can develop a much better action plan! Not sure what to do about something? Research it as much as possible. You will be pleasantly surprised by how much easier it is to make a plan.

 

Make a Plan – Sure, we need an endpoint and a solution in mind, but we often just want to get there and use so much energy forcing our way there. However, if you start from where you are and make a plan, one step at a time, you’ll reach the end point on a more direct path. Sometimes we can’t figure out the entire plan, but all you really need to know is your next step. Just like when Indiana Jones took his first step of faith in The Last Crusade, after that initial step, the path was revealed. Not sure of the entire plan yet? Just put on your fedora and take one step at a time.

 

Get Over Yourself – Last, but not least, there are times that I feel stressed because I am not getting my way. If the situation is simply a matter of ego, then well, I just need to get over myself! Life is not all about me. There are many other people in my life. There are also many others in a similar situation (or, like me, who do not like the cold). I may feel that I am on the iceberg alone, but the fact is, we’re all in this together. When you see that with the right eyes, you realize we have true allies in our own little world, and that is enough to keep me warm.

 

So bring it on, fall! I’ll put on my sweater and just chill by the fire. I’m ready to see your spectacular show of color burst in these Ozark Mountains.