SEASONS OF MY LIFE....

As I look out my office window at the beginnings of seasonal change here in Prescott Valley, AZ., the leaves have started to fall and the aspens are bright yellow.  The days are much shorter, and the nights have turned quite cold.  The winds have continued to blow steadily and the skies are cobalt blue  and accented by white, billowy clouds.


These scenes remind me of an old song popularized by Frank Sinatra:  "Oh, it's a long, long while from May to December.  But the days grow short when you reach September.  When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame, One hasn't got time for the waiting game."


Beyond the original intent of this song, these lyrics have a special meaning for me.  Most of us enjoy the changing seasons of the year....but have we given much thought to the Seasons of our Life?  I find myself giving thought to my seasons of life, and of those who are near and dear to me.  My current "season" is my 7th decade, which I see as the autumn of my life.  Change is a central theme in my life now, what with our relocating back to California, seeking a "new nest" there, and downsizing and simplifying our lives, and letting go...like the autumn leaves...of all those "things" we really don't need.  Letting go of all that stuff creates room for the important things in life....loved ones, memories, family & friends, special times together, good books, great food, and adventures to come.


As the song goes, "Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few...September, November.  And these precious days I'll spend with you..."  The collective you being my loved ones, family and friends, and so forth.  These are made all the more precious by their transitory nature and the recognition that one must savor each day, for they become shorter and shorter.  Live each day to the fullest, and never wait to do what we dreamed about in the Spring of our lives!


"...One hasn't got time for the waiting game..." the Seasons are fleeting and time won't wait.  Before you know it, December will be here and another year will be winding down.  Soon Spring will be sprouting about us, and the Seasons of our life will be on their way again.  So....if you've got some plans, start them; if you wish to travel, take that first step; open that book and read the first page; and write that Great American novel by writing that first sentence! 

Larry...Rambling Prose

WAYS TO LIVE BETTER, LONGER & HAPPIER!

How am I going to live a better life in 2011?  In keeping with that ambitious goal, let me share with you an interesting article I found on a blog...Presentation Zen.
This information comes from National Geographic writer and explorer Dan Buettner who learned what the world's longest-lived peoples have in common.  In other words, what are the common denominators running through the different cultures he studied which caused them to live beyond 100 years of age.  The answers were somewhat of a surprise to me...they are simple and direct...and they are as follows.


(1) MOVE NATURALLY:  You don't need a formal, rigorous exercise program.  Walk, do yard work, whatever.  Do exercises/activities that you enjoy.


(2) HAVE THE RIGHT OUTLOOK:  Slow down.  Being stressed out all the time has a negative impact on your health.


(3) KNOW YOUR PURPOSE:  Have a clear purpose.  The Japanese call it "ikigai"...life+ value.  You must have a passion, a calling, a purpose.  There's got to be a reason to get out of bed every day.


(4) EAT WISELY:  Drink a little wine everyday.  Eat mainly plant-based foods.  Small amounts of meat and fish are okay.  Do not eat until you're stuffed; eat until 80% full.


(5) BE CONNECTED WITH OTHERS:  Put family and loved ones first.  Belong to a faith-based community.  Belong to the "right tribe"...that is, hang out with people with healthy habits--physical and emotional ones.


So...rather than an impossible list of "to do's", I believe these 5 objectives are reasonable and attainable by most individuals.  They do take some discipline, focus, and commitment.  However, not having to sign up for a Gold's gym exercise plan, and still being permitted a glass or two of vino, certainly has sold me on these ideas!

Larry...Rambling Prose