In 2019, we began to realize that some significant changes and transitions would occur for our family in the coming years. As our kids, one by one, would be going off to college, our lives would change, too. We needed a way to easily remember and signify our core values as a family, and something to connect us together as we experienced the inevitable changes of different phases of life. So, we created a family motto – Embrace the Seasons.
We began discussing the importance and purpose of a family motto during our family brunches on Sundays. It took time to create a motto that had meaning for us all. Over several meals, with paper, pen, and post-its in hand, we each began to write down ideas that represented our family. We identified common themes and shared our thoughts with one another as we watched similarities in meanings emerge. We discussed how we wanted to interact with each other in our household as well as our community, and how we wanted to life thoughtfully and joyfully, whatever life had in store for us. In the end, we determined Embrace the Seasons defined us.
Embrace the Seasons became our new motto for several reasons … First, the seasons are constantly changing in the Northern climate. The weather can quickly turn from warm bright summers to cold dark winters in what feels like a blink of an eye. Second, the phases of life we experience are constantly shifting. What was once a schedule solely based on mealtimes and naps, are now consumed by calendars filled with practices, rehearsals, and activities. Time shifted from slower paced predictable bedtimes to high intensity late-night sporting events. Now, years after creating the motto, the meaning is even more powerful as children leave the house for college, and the unknown begins.
Embrace the Seasons keeps us present and grounded in times of bliss, and in times of turmoil. If we are experiencing a time of turmoil we can embrace the seasons, knowing it will once again shift. If we are experiencing a time of bliss, we can embrace the seasons, and savor every moment of it. This motto anchors a way of life and how we function as a family.
No matter what we are experiencing, seasons continue to change – embrace them. Each season provides an opportunity to embrace – to learn – to grow. As quickly as the season comes, it will once again change. Embrace the Seasons.
Special Note: The family image was taken on our dock at our cabin a few months after we created the FierkeLepp motto. It captures the essence of Embrace the Seasons.
KerryOn Questions
- Why would a motto be important to incorporate in your life?
- Is there a motto that can anchor you?
- What are ways you can Embrace the Seasons?
The Kerry behind KerryOn
My name is Kerry K. Fierke, Ed.D. (pron. Fear-Key) I have a unique combination of skills and experience – decades of fast-paced corporate experience in Fortune 100 companies and large health care organizations, combined with the academic rigor of a highly ranked research university. My focus is supporting others to create their own path to leadership development, lifelong learning, and a unique leadership legacy. Take a moment to focus on leadership, then KerryOn!
To see all KerryOn's and other leadership stuff, visit www.kerrykfierke.com.
This was one of the important things we did, I think, as a family.