It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in the Fall. B. C. Forbes
Although it may seem counterintuitive but you need a Fall in your life. Although I do believe times of despair and falling are indeed essential, that is not the topic today. Today I am arguing for the reintroduction of the season of Fall in your life.
We seem to live as if life offered three seasons: Spring, Summer and Winter. But life is comprised of four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Each season is essential as each has its intended utility and purpose. Yet, I’ve observed that we do Spring and Summer pretty well and then immediately jump directly into the final season of Winter.
Skipping Fall
I fear we often unconsciously neglect what I consider the most beautiful and most enjoyable season of life: Fall (or Autumn). Fall follows exciting times of self-discovery and of productivity where we raise a family and hopefully accumulate just a few necessary resources. We experience some level of success in our careers, build a solid notion of “self” and ideally contribute to the value of society in the process.
And then comes that exciting (or dreadful) time we call retirement. And many act as if they have entered the last season of life in which they simply lay back and let life happen to them. But I have found it quite the opposite. Like the farmer, Fall is the time we need to reap the harvest of all we have planted and nurtured to mature growth. In fact, I look at Autumn/Fall as the most enjoyable season of my life.
Just like the physical season, in the Fall of our life the colors are breathtaking, things move a little slower giving us time to observe and enjoy, and the air is cooler and invigorating. Oh, the wonder of the Fall.
What Does YOUR Fall Look Like?
How do you intend to live in the most awesome time of life? Do you plan to travel, enjoy your family, and discover the beauty around you? How about art museums, film, reading and simply taking time to ponder the wonder all around you—people and places of beauty?
I think most of all Fall is simply an attitude of gratefulness and appreciation of a life well-spent, as well as an exciting anticipation of things to come without the pressure of bosses and schools and the exhausting demands that come during the Spring and Summer of your life.
Fall is a time to enjoy and put in use the wisdom you have gained over the span of a productive life. Oh yes, you may still produce, but it doesn’t have to be with the stress and pressure that came with the Summer of life.
Yes, continue to work and produce and help make society better if that suits you. Yes, continue to learn and discover. Yes, continue to love and be loved. But please do so with a spirit of wonder and wisdom. But also, rest in this season of coolness and beauty.
Immerse Yourself in the Wonder of Fall
Photo courtesy of AlbertPego at istockphoto
