Right now, I'm an Autumn. And it's a pretty nice place to be.
Have you given that much thought? That our lives are very much like the seasons that we experience each year on this planet? Our seasons are longer, but comparable nonetheless.
We're born as babies, grow into children, and from there into adulthood. If we live long enough, we are then considered mature individuals, and if we're blessed, we at some point become aged - old folks.
My current season of Autumn, that of the mature woman, is that place where I am neither young nor old. Honestly, I think this might be my favorite so far. I'm still healthy and strong, I can do most things that I set my mind to do, and emotionally I'm more comfortable than I've ever been. Physically, I have more limitations than when I was younger. I'm not as strong as I once was, nor do I have the stamina of my youth. I do what I want, I just do it within a more relaxed pace. I'm okay with that. I no longer have anything to prove, nor do I have the desire to impress anyone else.
I have more peace.
I know who I am, what and who I believe in, know enough about life to put my priorities in place, and pretty much know how I want to spend my time. It certainly doesn't mean that I've perfected this time thing - not at all. But I do know what's important in life. I understand the value of time, and what an incredible blessing it is. I realize that the people and animals whom I love are far more important than what I do. To have everything means nothing if there's no one special to share it with.
I've also learned the importance of living life with an attitude of thankfulness. Nothing is ever guaranteed, and everything that is good is a blessing. And if I'm honest with myself, I have so very much to be grateful for. And I know just who to thank for all those blessings. My life is good. Life is perfect for no one, but we are told to be thankful even in times of trouble. For in those times, we build character, we grow stronger and better, if we choose to view everything in that way. Without times of difficulty, how would we compare all the goodness that comes our way? Like spoiled children, we would soon view life as something that we are entitled to, and that's just not the way it works.
So I've learned to give thanks for all things that come my way, even if that means I at first become grieved, frustrated, disillusioned or even angry. Life is a lesson - take it as it comes - and learn from everything and everyone. Whether those lessons bring good or bad, we benefit from them both. I believe that some day, when we can look back over the course of our lives, we will truly know how all things worked together for our good.
My cousin died last week. For me, it's the second cousin whose died this year. She was my sister's age and she's taking it especially hard. Sort of like mortality slapping you in the face, I think. Tomorrow I'll be attending her memorial service. We will cry and we will laugh at the memories that we've made. For her time has finished, there is no more. Funerals have a way of reminding me to cherish the time that I still have. To value those people in my life, and make the most of every single day. Time goes amazingly fast, and we're all getting older...so the lesson here is, not to put off telling someone that you love them. Eat the cake, count the stars, play like a child, take that vacation - whatever it is that gives you joy - do it. You can spend all your time making money, eating only the right foods, and miss out on the chance to make some memories with those who you hold dear. Tis true, there's not a single one of us who are getting out of this alive...
I love this song. For me, it brings it all home.
"For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to refrain.
A time to search and a time to give up.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear up and a time to mend.
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace."
That bit of scripture has always given me peace. That I know life is all about variety, a season for everything imaginable. And because of scripture, this too I have learned...
"I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God."
Be well my friends, do good and be happy.
Blessings, Lorie
p.s. buy the shoes! :)
8 comments:
I just got off Wikipedia after having listened to Stevie Nicks for the first time in ages (thanks to you). She's still doing great, which I didn't know. I won't be buying the shoes, but I just bought a yoga chair. :-)
Wise words beautifully put.
Beautiful version of one of my all time favorite songs. Most of the time I like autumn as well; it is hard losing friends and family though.
Autumn is my favorite season--as in the 4 yearly cycles. I would say I'm just starting to enter the autumn of my life, too, so your post is encouraging. My mom always told me the 50's were her favorite time of life. I think Autumn will shape up to be quite amazing, if for no other reason, I've learned to appreciate the moments. Kids are grown. Debts are paid off. I have time and (knock on wood) health.
Autumn is my favorite season too. Having just had another birthday recently I am made aware of how time passes so quickly. So I agree that we shouldn't take anything for granted but live each day to the fullest. The nice thing about aging is that we're free to do what we want and basically don't care what anyone else thinks.
I adore Stevie Nicks. :)
One of my writer friends, at 52 just 2 years older than me, has just died within weeks of being diagnosed with a brain tumour. She never finished that first novel she was writing. It's true that we need to get going and do the things we want to do, tell the people we love that we love them, and hug our dogs and horses more.
I like this autumn time too. It's definitely better than what came before. When you look at the way so many women died by 40 in the old days due to childbirths and other things, this time of knowing ourselves is a gift that many of us never used to get. I treasure this time of calm, and I think the wisdom of older women is sorely needed in our world. I love being on the way to Cronehood. :)
Ahh Tina, you make me smile. You, my friend are truly becoming wise and you're so right - especially the knowing ourselves part. Gives us time to change what we can.
Thank you all for your comments! I so enjoy the variety of thoughts here. :)
(((Lorie))) You too!
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