Changes are coming folks.

In many ways, changes are coming.

Some of them are obvious;

Autumns approach brings with it all the seasonal changes one expects. The turning leaves, the graying skies, the subtle chill in the air.

Longer sleeves and pants replacing shorts and tees.

Today's chill will probably prompt the use jackets for many who choose to venture forth.

The first of the "Winterize your Car" signs has appeared, and signs of Christmas have begun their annual assault on the senses and sensibilities.

More time will soon be spent indoors and sun-bronzed skin will fade just prior to the increased usage of tanning beds.

Some changes are less noticeable;

Animals increase their feeding to fatten up for winter and, in the case of the soon to be hunted, many become nocturnal.

The final crops will soon be harvested, processed, and shipped to the store for our consumption.

Slowly but surely the average weight of the American public will creep upward until we are subjected to the first "Are you ready for bikini season" commercials.

For myself autumn seems to be an introspective time.

I sit here this morning looking over my life.

Decisions both good and bad play through my mind.

I try to sort through them and evaluate where I am in life.

For the most part it is mistakes and bad decisions that show forth more than anything else.

Yet as prevalent as they are I must not listen only to those.

I can-not judge my life by the staggering amount of mistakes I have made or else I would see myself and my life as a complete and utter failure.

And this, I know, is not true.

I have known defeat, depression, and failure on a personal and intimate level but I choose not to let them define me as they have in the past.

It is time for change.

Some of these changes are going to happen in my life.

I choose not to be the same. I choose to change.

My life has entered its autumn.

Some things, like the leaves, must die and fall away.

Others will grow and, it is my hope, flourish.

Though I hope it is many years away, it’s time to “Winterize”.

Yes, change is coming.

Let’s hope the right ones are made and it is all for the good.

Changes are coming folks.

In many ways.

Changes are coming.