The Beauty and Significance of Fall

November has arrived, and with it, the full splendor of fall in 2025. I live in a place where all four seasons unfold.  This time of year brings a stunning display of gold, red, orange, and auburn leaves. The trees shed their leaves in gentle showers, and the ground becomes a colorful tapestry. Each leaf that falls is a visible sign of change.  It is a natural transition preparing the landscape for the next season. As the trees let go, they become lighter.  This symbolizes the importance of releasing what no longer serves us.

Just as nature transitions, so too do we find ourselves in seasons of change. These transitions can be reflective of our personal journeys, especially when moving from diagnosis to destiny. The falling leaves remind us of the power and necessity of letting go—whether that’s negative self-talk, limiting beliefs, or behaviors that hold us back. The trees do not mourn the leaves; they recognize the importance of becoming lighter for what lies ahead. In our own lives, we must similarly shed what keeps us from moving confidently toward our destiny.

One of the most powerful lessons in this season is the art of reframing our self-talk. It’s often easier to convince ourselves why we can’t pursue something, identifying every obstacle and doubt. The challenge lies in learning to talk ourselves into opportunities, finding reasons why we can and should act, and understanding the value our actions hold. For example, when faced with the opportunity to submit an article to a magazine—a pursuit close to my heart—I found myself battling doubts. The voice of hesitation pointed out possible mistakes and reasons to quit. Yet, by reframing my perspective, I chose to let the magazine staff decide, to double-check my work, and, most importantly, to finish and submit my article. That act of submission was a triumph of self-encouragement over self-doubt.

In this true season of change, as we prepare to shift direction, focus, or effort, it is vital to do more to talk ourselves into action that is purposeful and joyful. The road to destiny is paved with moments where we choose to move forward despite uncertainty. By shedding limiting beliefs and negative self-talk, we affirm that obstacles—even something as daunting as cancer—cannot stop us. We claim our destiny by embracing change, letting go of what weighs us down, and consistently reminding ourselves of our strength and purpose.

• Reflect on what you need to release this season—thoughts, habits, or fears.
• Reframe negative self-talk by identifying reasons to pursue your goals.
• Take at least one action that moves you forward, even if it’s small.
• Celebrate each step you take, acknowledging the courage it requires.
• Remind yourself daily: You are not defined or stopped by your diagnosis. Your destiny is yours to claim.

As leaves fall and the world transforms, let this season inspire you to make your own changes. Shed what you no longer need, nurture beliefs that move you forward, and take the steps necessary to claim your destiny. The journey from diagnosis to destiny is shaped by the choices we make in moments of transition—choose to move forward, choose to believe, and choose to let your future shine as brightly as the colors of fall.

Here’s our homework. Being self centered, in a great way, is one of the 10 lessons learned that can pave the way from diagnosis to destiny. During this next seven days, write down at least one thing that you’ve been wanting to do, hoping to do, but have put off because you talked yourself out of it. Maybe it’s submitting the application for a new job, starting to write your play, starting a new workout routine, reaching out to a new connection to set a lunch or dinner date. During the next seven days, talk yourself into it. Focus on your strengths and your previous accomplishments and successes to help propel you. And then do it!

Affirm what you are doing let’s continue to remind ourselves, cancer won’t stop me, I’m claiming my destiny!(TM)

Enjoy this season and we look forward to being back soon with another blog.