Embracing Change in the Seasons of Motherhood
by Lisa Augspurger, M.A., MEd., LPC-A
Oh, baby, it’s cold outside! I’ll never forget my fourth winter in Anchorage—the snow never seemed to stop, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t quite acclimate. I kept hoping that one day, I’d become one of those Alaskans who wore shorts and flip-flops in the dead of winter, but that day never came.
What did stick with me, though, was the way life had its own rhythm in those harsh winters. Despite the cold, nature was still thriving—like the ravens that landed so gracefully on my back deck. Their calls filled the air, and I often imagined they were saying, "Nevermore" as they spoke their mysterious message to me.
In those moments, I saw the spark in my daughter’s eyes as she believed I was telling her stories about the large, noisy birds that filled our frozen world with magic. The wildness of Alaska was a reminder that life is unpredictable, yet beautifully interconnected. The moose would migrate right outside our house, the lone wolf would scavenge nearby, and it felt like a sign—nature’s way of reminding us that we, too, are part of something bigger.
Despite the starkness of winter, that season also brought reflection, growth, and the promise of new beginnings. One summer, my children and I escaped to Texas, and it felt like a breath of fresh air. My son flew for the first time, my daughter was eager to shed her winter layers, and I was ready for a break, reconnecting with friends and family.
Looking back, I saw how much my kids had grown. My daughter, then three, was thriving in preschool and immersed in her love of art, while my son, just one, had a smile that could melt the coldest of days. Even with their growth, I was still learning to balance motherhood with my own needs.
The big change came when I became a single mom. It was a time of deep transformation—challenging, yes, but also a necessary step toward rediscovery. As a mother, I was learning that I had to make space for myself amidst the chaos of motherhood. And that space didn’t just allow me to survive; it allowed me to thrive. I began taking time to reconnect with myself—traveling solo to Seattle, dancing in my first recital in years, and discovering the strength in Pilates.
This journey of motherhood, personal growth, and transformation reminded me of the changing seasons. Much like the winters in Alaska, motherhood can feel cold and overwhelming at times. Yet, even in the toughest seasons, there’s magic, growth, and new beginnings waiting to be discovered.
At Revise Your Life Counseling, PLLC, we understand that navigating the complexities of motherhood—especially during times of transition—can be overwhelming. But it’s also an opportunity to grow, to redefine your role, and to embrace change with grace and resilience.
Just like nature, you have the power to evolve and adapt. The challenges of motherhood can lead you to deeper self-discovery, and sometimes the coldest days are simply the prelude to the warmest transformations.
