WAIT. WHAT. . .
THIS ISN’T A CHRISTMAS VIDEO FOR A SEASONAL MONDAY MORNING BLOG
OR. . .IS IT. . .
THERE ARE SOME VIDEOS THAT ARE BEYOND SEASONAL AND THAT ARE SO EVERYDAY NEEDED THEY MAKE THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS FEEL LIKE A MUST NEED EVERY DAY EXPERIENCE. WHAT A GREAT JOB THAT CHRIS MARTIN OF COLDPLAY DID WITH DICK VAN DYKE WHO WILL BE 99 THIS WEDNESDAY, PROVING AGAIN, THAT SOME THINGS ARE, WELL. . .AGELESS
AND THEN, IT IS WINTER
Time moves swiftly, often catching us unaware of how quickly the years pass.
It feels like just yesterday I was young—just married, stepping into life with endless dreams. But now, I find myself in the winter of my life, wondering how it all happened so fast. Where did the years go? Where did my youth go?
I remember watching older people, thinking they were so far ahead of me, their “winter” a distant concept I couldn’t truly grasp. Yet here I am. My friends are retired, their hair greying, their steps slower. I see those changes in myself too. We’ve become the “older folks” we once looked at with youthful eyes, never imagining we’d be here so soon.
These days, small tasks like taking a shower feel like major accomplishments. Naps are no longer indulgences—they’re necessities. If I skip them, sleep finds me anyway, wherever I happen to be.
This season of life brings its own challenges: the aches, the loss of strength, and the realization of dreams left undone. Yet, I know this isn’t the end. When winter here is over, another adventure awaits beyond this life.
Yes, there are regrets—things I wish I’d done differently—but there’s also joy in the memories of the life I’ve lived. It’s all part of the journey.
If you haven’t reached your winter yet, let me offer this advice: It arrives faster than you think. Don’t wait too long to do the things you dream of. Life passes quickly. Say what you want to say, do what you want to do, and let the people you love know how much they mean to you.
“Life” is a gift, and the way you live it becomes your gift to those who come after you. Make it a beautiful one.
LIVE WELL. LOVE MUCH. LAUGH OFTEN.
Enjoy each day to its fullest, because today is the oldest you’ve ever been, yet the youngest you’ll ever be.
Some reflections on this stage of life:
Your kids are becoming you.
Going out is fun, but coming home is even better.
You forget names—but it’s fine, because others forget they ever knew you!
The things you once cared about no longer matter, and you care more about not caring.
You sleep better in a chair with the TV blaring than in bed.
You miss the simplicity of an “ON” and “OFF” switch.
Everything in stores seems to be sleeveless now.
Freckles have turned into liver spots.
Everyone whispers.
Your closet holds three sizes of clothes—two of which you’ll never wear again.
But aging has its blessings: old songs, old movies, and most importantly, old friends.
Stay well, my old friend. Life isn’t about what you gather, but what you scatter. It’s about the love, kindness, and laughter you share.
Live happy. Scatter joy. Embrace today. Give ALL of you Love
Chuck – Your periodic messages are a very special inspiration. Thank you for that! I miss the Beck group and Cleveland, but have made the adjustment to Williamsburg and being with my life partner, Joan very well. I hope you and Erin and your family have a wonderfully, blessed Christmas!
Bob, it so very good to hear from you and especially hear that you and Joan are doing well and have settled into your new surroundings in Williamsburg. You are very much missed at the Beck group that never really gets together as often as I think we would all like. I humbly appreciate your kind words about The Caring Catalyst Blog posts; it’s my hope these short little messages bring more than I intend and inspire more than I imagine. Blessings to you both; have a wonderful Christmas and an even better New Year.