Contact us at: whispernthunder1@gmail.comReaching Out
~ Crystal James
As the leaves turn and the air cools, there’s
something about fall that invites reflection.
It’s a season of change, a reminder that
nothing is static—neither the trees nor our
lives. When I reflect on the past 35 years,
I see how much more life is left to live and h
ow much I’ve learned along the way.
If you had asked my younger self where I
envisioned being at 35, I would have painted
a vivid picture: married to a loving partner, raising three children, surrounded by sheepdogs and llamas on a small farm. Those dreams haven’t yet come to fruition, but I hold onto hope, knowing life has its own timeline.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that life, like healing, is not linear. Plans change, evolve, and shift—sometimes unexpectedly. Each new chapter brings challenges and blessings: fresh opportunities, memories to cherish, and lessons to learn. It’s a journey of releasing what no longer serves us and embracing what was meant for us all along.
This season of life feels much like fall. As the leaves change color and drift from the trees, they make way for the new growth that comes in spring. Fall invites us to reflect, to let go of what no longer belongs, and to prepare the space for renewal. Just as the trees don’t cling to their old leaves, we, too, must release what holds us back and trust in the growth that follows.
If you find yourself, like me, navigating unmet expectations or emerging from struggles with internal battles, know this: I see you, and I am so proud of you. Take this as a reminder that it’s okay to be exactly where you are right now. Your emotions—whether joy, pain, exhaustion, or hope—are valid, and so are you. Life is not a race; there is no deadline for your dreams. You will get there in your own time, and I am cheering for you every step of the way.
It’s okay to pause, to kneel when you need to gather your strength. You don’t have to be strong all the time. Allow yourself to rest, to cry, to care for yourself. It’s okay to have a messy house, to sleep in, to take a break from the digital world, and to find comfort in your safe space. Give yourself the love and care you deserve. Do the things that make you smile and reignite the joy and gratitude you may have misplaced.
Especially during this time of year, the weight of expectations—our own and others’—can feel overwhelming. But here’s a call to action: let’s take a step back to what our ancestors, across cultures, taught us—to be each other’s village. To form a community where we uplift one another with love, encouragement, and compassion. Life’s burdens are lighter when shared, and the ripple effect of kindness begins with us.
In a world that often divides us, let’s reclaim the power of unity. Reach out—whether for a kind word, a moment of understanding, or simply to share in life’s ups and downs. Together, we can create a ripple of change.
If you need a sister, a friend, or a safe place to land during tough times, my arms are wide open. Let’s take this journey together. Change begins with small acts of love—toward ourselves and each other. Let’s take that step, hand in hand.