I have been reflecting on my life journey in recent days, in part because of the beginning of a new calendar year, which is always a time for reflection on the past and future. This “reflection” is also because it is my “birthday month” and at my age I must acknowledge the reality of where I am in my journey as a “senior citizen.”
A real challenge of aging is learning how to grow old gracefully. I am finding that life is fuller and complete each day. Simple things that once were taken for granted are now special treats. The rising and setting of the sun are magical moments of wonder. An occasional nap is rejuvenating. Spending time with loved ones and special friends are precious moments indeed. I view awakening at the dawn of a new day as a gift for which I am thankful. Each day brings new insights, inspiration, and opportunities.
I recently received an e-mail containing a powerful message about aging. (Author unknown.) I consider it a birthday gift, and share with you in the hope that it will be a source of inspiration and reflection for you whatever your age, no matter where you are in your journey.
And then it is winter…
You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went.
I know that I lived them all, and I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is: the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise.
How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go?
I remember well... seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like...
But, here it is; my friends are retired and getting gray; they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me, but I see the great change in each of them as I am sure they also see in me. They are not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant, but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.
Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore: it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will, I might just fall asleep where I sit!
And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did. But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last, this I know, that when it's over, it’s over.
So, if you're not in your winter yet, let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long! Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not!
You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life, so live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember; and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past.
Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one. Live well! Enjoy today! Be happy! Be thankful! Be faithful!
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