True Colors

Peeeeaaaaaakkkkk!

The annual display of autumn has been in full force these past few weeks. As with anything that is good, it just doesn't last long enough. As always, it sneaks up on you and then is gone before you get to fully appreciate it. At first it is subtle. The days become cooler. The crisp air mixes with wafts of wood smoke pouring from the chimneys that dot the town. Frosty grass greets you in the morning instead of the sun. Afternoons wave their last goodbyes to the Indian summer as the sun glints its way through the trees, generating a golden hue under a canopy of painted leaves. Dusk falls early, giving more time to create slow cooked meals that highlight the foods from the recent harvest. Extra blankets are thrown on the bed when it is time to snuggle for the night. It will soon be winter, but for a short time there is a transition that tantalizes the senses and makes us take pause to be grateful for all that we are offered.

I remember learning as a child that the colors of autumn are the true colors of the trees. The lush greens that we witness in the spring and summer are just disguises created by the chlorophyll that runs through the veins of the trees. The bright oranges, crimsons and gold are actually the trees' genuine hues. I always wondered why they would hide their beauty, giving us just a few brief weeks to be awed and inspired by their grandeur. As an adult, I have learned that this is not much different than people.

Inside of each of us is a beauty that is innate. Because it may be different than what is expected of social and cultural norms, or because we don't take the time to nurture it, we often keep it hidden, locked away for some other day. At times it is released through moments of creativity or when we let down our guard, but then it becomes tucked away again, speaking to us from time to time in forms of a little voice that whispers I wonder, what if and I wish.

But it is mostly in times of adversity our true character shows. Just as the trees show their true identity only when facing colder temperatures and increased hours of darkness, we find out what we are made of when we are tested. Whether is it is the aggravating moment of being stuck in traffic or the devastating tribulation of losing a loved one, we are forced to make a decision to fight or flight, to stand or fall, to be bested or to make the best of it. And while sometimes we are only given one instant to make the right choice, we are more often given the opportunity to try, try again, so long as we have the desire. Fall down eight times, get up nine.

The most important part is to know that we are not alone. One brightly colored tree standing by itself would be pretty but an anomaly. A mountain ridge blazing with tints of glory is magnificent and formidable. Its strength is in its numbers, its beauty a kaleidoscopic display of authenticity. It is beautiful. It is real. Peak!

Dedicated to too many friends who have recently lost a loved one. To another friend who is going to run her first marathon this weekend. To others who are making life-changing decisions. To the many moms who had a long day and still need to put dinner on the table. To all who are getting a mammogram. Your colors are beautiful.