It’s difficult not to draw parallels between our lives in Chapter X and autumn. After all, to put it bluntly, it is the autumn of our lives. Sounds terrible, right? Well, it doesn’t have to. Consider the following:
Take some time and watch leaves falling. They don’t thud, explode or crash; they flutter gracefully and gently to the ground. All the drama and explosiveness of our early lives has evolved into something more beautiful and meaningful, fueled by experience.
Autumn marks the end of hurricane season. That’s a good thing. The storms of career, family and striving for success come to an end.
No time of the year is more beautiful. The colors, shades and diversity of weather remind us of our need to accept change and enjoy whatever is happening—from Indian summer to the first snow.
Autumn is a time of harvest. We reap the rewards of our efforts over the years.
It is also the predecessor to winter, the time of darkness and cold. What better reminder to appreciate what we have—our health, family and opportunity to continue to grow and experience life?
Autumn also hosts Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday). A reminder that gratitude is a vital aspect of our lives.
Yes, it’s not our spring or summer and that’s just a fact, no matter how that might bring on feelings of regret or sadness. But life gives us just as long as it gives us and devoting time looking backward is a terrible waste of time, energy and capacity to continue to make a difference.
Here’s to autumn—celebrate each moment!
