The fall equinox normally brings a shift in me. A reminder to gear up for the coming winter, to shed old baggage, and hunker down. But today, I still feel the gift of spring inside of me. Life is blossoming and growing without regard to the Sun's position on the horizon.

My last two winters were so long and relentless I barely remember a break between the two. They seem a blur with cold hard truths. My branches left naked as I was stripped of myself. Cold. Exposed. Alone. Darkness whirled around me as I searched for the truth. It wouldn't kill me but there were times I thought it would. It didn't. I'm stronger.

Today my prayer is that as Fall sweeps in to strip you of yourselves you have the strength to let go. Watch yourself change. I pray your winters are short.