I am an Indian Summer

As I was walking Harley, on this beautiful sunny day, it occurred to me that I am now entering the "Autumn" phase of my life.


I have, for a long time, looked at life's age stages as being similar to the seasons of a year - as do many others.


For example:


Aged 0-22 (ish) is like the Springtime - new life, growth, development,  a freshness and enthusiasm, as we begin to blossom.


Aged 22 - 45 is the Summer period - you blossom, mature, are often full of activity (with young children probably) and yet still with calm, hot, sunny moments to be savoured.


Then you enter the Autumn months, gloriously bold with fabulous colours, probably a little fuller of figure than you would like ..... but compare that with the ripening of the harvest! You are ready for Grand-parenthood where you don't have to be on call 24/7 but can enjoy quality time with grandchildren! Halloween, Fireworks, Duvet Days!


Finally, you head for the Winter years - aged 70+ and still can be full of surprises, like Christmas, New Year or perhaps just that spattering of snow that brings about a youthful playfulness in us all!


So .......... according to my calculations, I am at the beginning of the Autumn phase. 


I have decided that I intend to embrace this wholeheartedly. With age comes a certain confidence - I don't have to "compete" any more with those youngsters who are busy building careers, families, lifestyles. 


OK ..... that bit about careers ..... right now I don't actually have a career and am building my business again - but I don't HAVE to earn as much ...... it would be nice ...... but not necessary ..... (I am no longer paying a huge amount for school fees!)


I have enough confidence to "be myself". 


I have made my great friends for life (and hope to be a good enough friend to keep them). Of course more friends would still be lovely but I am comfortable with those that I have and comfortable in the knowledge that they truly know me.


Like the glorious bold, autumn colours I can be a little bold in my outlook. 


Yes ..... I am lucky to have a home, food in my cupboards and  grown children of whom I am proud and who are moving on with their lives, so my outlook reflects that. I am not boasting, just "glowing" and looking forward to the breath of fresh air that (I hope) is grand-parenthood.


Yet I am also still aspiring to do more - I am not ready to be "put out to pasture" - I think I can do something with the business. I hope to be able to help my children still as and when they may need it. I intend to complete items from my LIST..........


So, like today ..... I may be in the Autumn phase but will certainly aim to have some sunny, warm days ... that may spring a surprise .... just as an Indian Summer can !