Founder – Chief Change Optimist – Author – Host – Speaker – TV/Radio Personality – Mentor
Ariane de Bonvoisin - Founder and Chief Change Optimist
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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

And Then, It's Winter

I found this story and wanted to pass it on. Many of us are dealing with winter not only in the climate where we live, but also feel we are in the winter stage of our lives, dealing with recent hardships. This story is a lovely reminder that you should live your life to the fullest every day, and surely spring is soon to come!

Feel free to offer your thoughts on this story in the comments section.

*******************************
And Then It's Winter.
Author Unknown

And it's winter before we know it...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 babies 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 really getting gray...they move slower and I see an older person now. Lots are in better shape than me...but, I see the great change. 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 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. Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done; things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime.

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 good 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 IT WELL! ENJOY TODAY! DO SOMETHING FUN! BE HAPPY! BE THANKFUL!

Dream as if you have forever, live as if you only have today!

"Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life."—Albert Einstein

divine2009

This is a wonderful poem. I can only smile when I read it. It captures my thoughts exactly. It makes me want to live better right now because that is the only thing that is promised.

arabrab

How wonderful. I work for a Skilled Nursing Facility and I'm going to see if our activity staff will read this to the residents. I think they will all relate as well as some or most of the staff.

Thanks

  • By arabrab
  • on 2/27/09 1:16 PM EST
carrlk

Ah, yes, the feeling of the onset of 'winter'. Not only do I feel and see the aging (running in to friends from school and thinking "Do I look that old!?") and seeing my aging family members live their lives to the fullest. I agree we need to concentrate on the positive and live for the moment! Thank you for the reminder ~

  • By carrlk
  • on 2/26/09 8:30 AM EST
newend2

What a wonderful reminder of just how precious this journey is! Thanks for reminding me of the many gifts I have. Gifts that I can share with my family and friends and even strangers that enter my life. It is truly a beautiful winter day!
Peace,
Debbie

  • By newend2
  • on 2/26/09 8:13 AM EST
deblojo13

Really loved your article on living your life fully!!!! Beauiful piece of work! Thanks!
Deb

reneetrudeau

HI Ariane, happy New Year. I stumbled on your post after getting an email from my friend Beth Irvine in Houston. Thank you for honoring this season and all it means ....I think you'd enjoy my latest blog post on honoring our natural Rhythms and how this impacts our sense of life balance ....Link ....keep in touch and come see us in Texas! Sending you the the best. Warmly--Renee Trudeau