Minneapolis, Minnesota
I.
I've always said fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the cooler weather, the trees changing color, the intense blue of the sky, the acts of gathering the harvest, taking stock, and battening down the hatches for the harsh winter ahead.
I kind of like it that my age is also referred to as the autumn of life.
I see striking parallels with the natural world. As fall approaches, there is a sadness at the ending of the fun of summer, but then comes realization of autumn's own gifts and incredible beauty. And there is the same mellow beauty to these years of life, a deep appreciation for and savoring of the abundant gifts the summer brought us -- our children and grandchildren, a career, hobbies, friends, home. There is a slowing down of responsibility, of intensity, even of needs, I think.
For me it has taken the whole first year of retirement to get past the stresses of my working life and calm my thoughts and activity. To slow down and savor moments without the fear that Monday is always snapping at my heels. To squirrel away the abundance of summer's bounty to enjoy now and over the winter years.
That feels like a pretty wonderful place to be.
II.
"What most people really, really want is simply to feel good about themselves, and when you realize that with just a few well-chosen words you can help virtually anyone on the planet instantly achieve this, you begin to realize just how simple life is, how powerful you are, and that love is the key. " - Tut
III.
Remember: If you laugh a lot, when you get old your wrinkles will be in the right places.
NOTE: In my last post I wrote about light rail in Minnesota and mentioned the cost of a ticket. The 75 cent ticket is for seniors, good for 2 1/2 hours, during non-peak hours, 9 am to 3 pm and weekends. Non seniors pay $1.50 for those same days and times. Full price for peak hours is $1.50 and $ 2.25. Within the downtown zone tickets are 50 cents for everyone. A great bargain, I think, and all tickets are for 2 1/2 hours.
Posted with Blogsy
Your three thoughts are so much nicer than mine. I'm interested to read about your first year of retirement, but since you retired from education, I'll share my three Thursday thoughts that are perfect for today: M. E. A!!! I know it is formally called Education Minnesota now, but many folks still refer to it as MEA and those are three of my favorite letters this time of year.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking far too much for my own good I think. Maybe I'm having a mid life crisis or a new direction is needed........
ReplyDeleteCynthia it is very interesting post. It means you are happy now. Now all is obvious the prices are the same here in Europe. I love fall too, lovely season. Have a nice autumn
ReplyDeleteFunny reflection at the top - looks like a very badly stacked pile of hay is about to topple over
ReplyDeleteonto the building at the back. ( A vivid imagination???)
Those fares are STILL far cheaper than here.
Aussie Col
It always seems a shame that we can't take a lesson from nature here. Wouldn't it be better if we could gently ease into retirement, the way the leaves slowly change on the trees, instead of the sudden and often difficult transition most of us are forced to make from work to retirement?
ReplyDeleteCynthia, love the one about the wrinkles being in the right place. I have a friend who is a heavy smoker, and there is no hope for her creases. I hope she doesn't resort to surgery.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts on retirement - and fall!
ReplyDeleteI loved the comment about wrinkles being in the right place it made me smile. It took my husband and I a while to settle once we had taken early retirement but now we wonder how we had time to work.
ReplyDeleteThe best part of not working again is to have your own time to spend as you like!
ReplyDeleteI too like the wrinkles comment.. There must be lovely autumn colours over your way.
ReplyDeleteDear Cynthia, I so liked what you wrote about the autumn of our years. I retired thirteen years ago and it took me several years to get over being a workaholic. So I'm in admiration of you who needed only one year! Peace.
ReplyDeleteInteresting reflection in that building:) I always had Mondays off so I love that I don't have to chase Tuesdays and work every last Saturday. It does take some getting used to:)
ReplyDeleteThis is inspiring. Recently I've been having some disappointments upon getting more mature and understanding things deeper in life. Plus I guess I'm experiencing some birthday blues. I asked myself if life just gets more disappointing or boring as you grow older. I guess I'm wrong. As I see a very good example from you enjoying life after retiring. Truly there is certain beauty in every season as with life.
ReplyDeleteI love what you have written. Even after working most of my life, I still have a hard time relaxing now that I am retired. I feel guilty about being home. Crazy isn't it?
ReplyDeleteBeautifully put Cynthia, I can feel your peace. I retired nearly 2 years ago at 53, and have not regretted a day of it. There is so much to do and I wake up feeling anticipation for the day ahead. It is what you make it - what you put in is what you get out.
ReplyDelete