By Carol H.
Autumn, my favorite season. Its arrival reminds us to savor
the waning days of light and warmth. Shorter days and cooler temps are on the
horizon.
The arrival of this beautiful season also symbolizes
something deeper for me this year as I realize that my life will be entering
its “Autumn Years.” I will be 60 years old next June. I can see that the road
ahead is shorter than the road already traveled, and yet I’m amazed and
delighted that I’ve made it this far!
Reflecting back I see the early years were all about making
it in the outer world. Gaining knowledge and experience. Establishing a career,
working hard to feed a family and keep a roof overhead. But now, with Autumn’s
arrival, my focus turns inward, developing deeper thoughts of being, of
self-renewal. As I catch a glimpse of the finish line from time to time I am
reminded of the importance of assessing who I am and how I want to live out the
remaining years of my life, acknowledging the fact that any one of them could
be my last. As I stand knocking on Autumn’s door I see the tasks before me now
include harvesting all the gifts gathered over the course of my life so far. To
apply generous amounts of love, gratitude, and wisdom to sustain me through the
last leg of my journey.
Where are you in life’s calendar? What are the gifts and challenges of your season? What do you want your future to look like and what steps are you taking to live into it right now?
10 comments:
Oh, such beautiful fall photos, Carol! I think being a 'certain age' frees us to the creative possibilities within ourselves. And what an adventure it is to explore and discover them!
Your photos as well as all the wonderful ones in the Flickr gallery are making me want to take a trip north to see some changing leaves! And boy do I know what you're talking about when you say "the Autumn Years"! I've been thinking about this subject a lot lately. Most of my friends locally are all younger than I am and I am so glad I have all of you here and other places on the internet to share this "season" with. Accepting getting older can be a challenge but it's sure better than the alternative! Thanks for this wonderful post, my friend.
Beautiful post, and even more beautiful photos. I think that being "a certain age" doesn't necessarily have to do with age as a number at all. I think it's more, well for me anyway, a spiritual age. The gifts of my season....just being who I am without concern for what others think....dancing to the beat of my own drum...(pink hair)....living each day as it comes.
Beautifully written post Carol. I am certain that this part of your journey will be a fabulous one - you have a great attitude and so much talent and warmth. So glad to know you as you start the next leg of this journey of life.
carol this is so beautiful. the photos and the sentiments. thank you for sharing all your wonderful gifts with us.
A lovely and reflective post. I think I'm heading round the bend of autumn and in sight of winter! I'm more sure of myself now - less concerned about appearances. I like solitude more and have less need for material things.
Your reflections are beautifully expressed and your lovely images illustrate autumn so well. I love the idea of "harvesting the gifts gathered over the course of a life". Thank you.
What a beautiful post Carol!
I too am in the autumn of my life and sometimes it is just not that easy! Your beautiful, thoughtful words are very inspiring.
I'm not too far behind you, Carol...I so relate to your wise words: "I’m amazed and delighted that I’ve made it this far!" I can't help but think of the many who don't...I savour the freedom that comes with this time of life. I've always been a free spirit, now I can also act like one! Absolutely exquisite photography, Carol.
Post a Comment
Thank you for sharing part of your day with us. If for any reason you are unable to leave a comment here on this post, please leave your comment on our Facebook page or in our Flickr discussion group. We love hearing from you!