DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

Life is marked by seasons, much like nature. Trees, in their annual cycle, remind us of the power of change, resilience, and regrowth. They shed their leaves, rest in dormancy, and then emerge renewed with the promise of spring. This natural rhythm is not just a phenomenon of the environment but a profound metaphor for human existence.

In our own lives, seasons of change often demand a kind of shedding – a letting go of what no longer serves us to make room for growth.

Whether it’s outdated beliefs, toxic relationships, or fear of the unknown, releasing these burdens can pave the way for personal transformation. But how do we identify what needs to be shed, and how do we navigate the often difficult process of letting go?

In this essay I explore the seasons of change in life and what we must relinquish to foster growth, drawing lessons from the trees as a guide to our own journey.

The Cycle of Seasons in Life

Life ebbs and flows in seasons. There are times of abundance and vitality, like summer, when everything seems to flourish. Then comes autumn, a time for reflection and release, followed by winter – a season of stillness, rest, and inner work. Finally, spring emerges with new beginnings, fresh energy, and the fruit of our growth.

Each season serves a purpose.

Just as trees cannot keep their leaves through winter, we cannot carry everything with us indefinitely. Holding on too tightly to what is no longer necessary can stunt growth and leave us feeling stuck. To embrace the next season of life, we must understand what to let go of and why it matters.

Why Shedding Is Necessary for Growth

Trees shed their leaves to conserve energy and protect themselves from the harshness of winter. Without this shedding, they would struggle to survive. Similarly, holding onto things that weigh us down – be it resentment, fear, or outdated goals – drains our energy and limits our ability to thrive.

Growth requires space.

If we’re carrying emotional baggage or clinging to past versions of ourselves, there’s no room for the new to take root. Shedding is not a loss but an act of self-preservation and preparation. It’s a way to create fertile ground for fresh opportunities and perspectives.

What Do We Need to Shed to Grow?

The question of what to shed is deeply personal, but there are common themes that many people encounter during their seasons of change.

1. Outdated Beliefs and Patterns

As we grow, certain beliefs or habits that once served us may no longer align with who we are becoming. These can include:

• Limiting self-perceptions: Beliefs like «I’m not good enough» or «I can’t succeed» can become deeply ingrained over time, but they often hold no truth. Shedding these narratives opens the door to self-confidence and possibility.
• Rigid thinking: Being overly attached to «the way things are» can prevent us from exploring new ideas and embracing change. Flexibility is key to growth.

Shedding outdated patterns begins with awareness – recognizing which beliefs or habits are holding us back – and then consciously choosing to replace them with empowering alternatives.

2. Toxic Relationships

Not all relationships are meant to last forever.

Sometimes, the people we surround ourselves with can hinder our growth rather than support it. Toxic relationships – those marked by manipulation, negativity, or lack of mutual respect – drain emotional energy and stifle progress.

Letting go of such connections can be one of the hardest forms of shedding, especially when there’s history involved. However, by releasing relationships that no longer nurture us, we create space for healthier, more fulfilling connections to enter our lives.

3. Fear of Change

Fear is a natural response to uncertainty, but clinging to the familiar out of fear can keep us stuck in cycles of mediocrity. Whether it’s fear of failure, fear of rejection, or fear of stepping into the unknown, shedding these apprehensions is essential for growth.

Facing fear requires courage and self-trust.

It means taking small, consistent steps outside our comfort zones and reminding ourselves that growth often lies just beyond what feels safe.

4. Resentment and Grudges

Holding onto past hurts can weigh heavily on the heart. Resentment acts like a poison, keeping us tethered to negative experiences and preventing us from moving forward.

Forgiveness – both of ourselves and others – is a powerful act of shedding. It doesn’t mean condoning harmful behavior; rather, it’s about releasing the hold that pain has over us.

By letting go of resentment, we free ourselves to live more fully in the present.

5. Material Attachments

Sometimes, our attachment to material possessions can clutter not only our physical space but also our mental and emotional well-being. The pursuit of «more» – more possessions, more status, more validation – can leave us feeling empty and disconnected from what truly matters.

Shedding excess materialism involves simplifying our lives and focusing on what brings genuine joy and fulfillment. This act of decluttering can lead to a greater sense of freedom and clarity.

The Process of Shedding

Letting go is often easier said than done. It requires patience, self-reflection, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. Here are some steps to navigate the process:

1. Reflect on What No Longer Serves You

Take time to assess your life. What feels heavy? What sparks frustration or sadness? Journaling, pause… to reflect, or simply sitting in quiet contemplation can help you identify what needs to be released.

2. Accept the Need for Change

Resistance to change is natural, but growth requires acceptance. Trust that letting go is a necessary step toward something better.

3. Take Gradual Steps

Shedding doesn’t have to happen all at once. Start small – by saying no to one obligation that drains you, for example, or challenging one limiting belief. Over time, these small changes add up to significant transformation.

4. Seek Support

Change is rarely a solitary journey. Surround yourself with people who encourage and support your growth. Whether it’s friends, family, or a therapist, having a strong support system can make the process less daunting.

5. Embrace the Discomfort

Letting go can feel unsettling, like standing in a void between the old and the new. Embrace this discomfort as a sign that growth is happening.

The Promise of Regrowth

Once a tree sheds its leaves, it appears bare and lifeless during winter. But beneath the surface, its roots are strengthening, and its branches are preparing for renewal.

Seasons of shedding may feel like loss at first, but they are the precursors to growth.

Regrowth comes in many forms: newfound confidence, healthier relationships, a clearer sense of purpose, or a deeper connection to oneself. It’s not always immediate, but with patience and faith, the fruits of change begin to emerge.

Lessons from the Trees

The trees remind us that shedding is not the end but a necessary step in the cycle of life. They teach us to:

• Trust the process: Growth takes time and often requires rest and reflection.
• Let go gracefully: Clinging to what no longer serves us only prolongs stagnation.
• Embrace the seasons: Each phase of life, whether vibrant or still, has value and purpose.

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Life’s seasons of change are inevitable, but how we navigate them shapes who we become.

By shedding what no longer serves us, we create space for growth, renewal, and transformation. Like the trees, we are constantly evolving, finding strength in letting go and beauty in the cycles of life.

In these seasons of change, we learn that shedding is not a loss but an act of liberation. It allows us to step into new versions of ourselves, unburdened and ready to thrive. What will you shed to grow? The answer lies within, waiting for the courage to embrace the change.