| In August, here in the mountains of southwest | | | | writers who meet regularly to discuss creative |
| Virginia, the trees acquire a dull sheen that signals the | | | | writing.It doesn't matter what you do -- just that |
| end of summer. Heralded by the Dog Days of | | | | you Do Something! Not doing anything at all is also a |
| summer, it's a melancholy, bittersweet season. | | | | choice. There's an old saying: "Do what you've always |
| Daytime temperatures may soar, the humidity is | | | | done, and you'll get what |
| sweltering, but nights are cool. In the mornings, a fog | | | | you've always gotten." The important thing is, you're |
| rises from the mountains, reminiscent of a Japanese | | | | never too old to learn new things, or to do |
| painting. And each day is shorter.Stars on a late | | | | something interesting just for you.Getting older |
| summer night are like diamonds in a velvet sky. This | | | | doesn't mean you have to stop living. If anything, |
| year, August 12 falls on a Friday, and after midnight, | | | | with time on their hands thanks to retirement, many |
| you might be able to see a spectacular display of the | | | | seniors say they've really started living, at last, and |
| Perseid meteor showers at their peak.Slice open a | | | | are having the "time of their life." Being active, |
| bell pepper from the garden, and you're likely to find | | | | involved, and interested in life keeps you young, no |
| tiny pale-green peppers growing within. It's as if | | | | matter what your chronological age. Let go of your |
| Nature hurries to replicate herself while there's still | | | | youth, and enjoy celebrating your next birthday as a |
| time.Like squirrels that store up their winter food | | | | major Life Milestone. You've earned it!For a timeless |
| supply, we may busy ourselves cleaning up, clearing | | | | lesson in life that has survived for over 3 centuries, |
| out, readying our homes for colder weather. Or we | | | | supposedly found in Old Saint Paul's Church in |
| may spend long moments weeding a flowerbed, | | | | Baltimore and dated 1692, remember "Desiderata" by |
| allowing our thoughts to drift to unknown places. We | | | | an anonymous writer. This should be read with the |
| wonder where summer went -- how could it pass by | | | | heart:"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and |
| so quickly? | | | | remember what peace there may be in silence. As |
| It's almost as if we didn't notice.Nature gives us little | | | | far as possible without surrender, be on good terms |
| choice but to let go of one season and get on with | | | | with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; |
| another. As I soak up the last rays of summer sun, I | | | | and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they |
| recognize all over again that the seasons are a | | | | too have their story."Avoid loud and aggressive |
| metaphor for Life. We, too, must "let go" before we | | | | persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you |
| can move ahead.Letting go is an interesting concept. | | | | compare yourself with others, you may become vain |
| It's a technique used not only in skillful fly-fishing, but | | | | and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser |
| in life. We let go of fear, of the past, of possessions, | | | | persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as |
| of a lost love. We let go of anger or a problem | | | | well as your plans."Keep interested in your career, |
| relationship. We let go of our children as they mature | | | | however humble; it is a real possession in the |
| into their own lives, and when someone we love dies, | | | | changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your |
| eventually we let go of grief. In Alcoholics | | | | business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But |
| Anonymous and Al-Anon, there's an expression: "Let | | | | let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many |
| go, and let God." And in the end, we must let go of | | | | persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is |
| life itself.More people in their 50's, 60's, and older are | | | | full of heroism."Be yourself. Especially, do not feign |
| on meds known as anti-depressants than you might | | | | affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the |
| imagine. I attribute a lot of middle-age depression to | | | | face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as |
| the feeling that so many seem to have, and have | | | | the grass."Take kindly the counsel of the years, |
| expressed to me, that they look back on their lives | | | | gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture |
| and ask, "Is that all there is?" This seems to ride in | | | | strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. |
| tandem with, "But there was so much more I | | | | But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many |
| wanted to do!"Begin today. Rekindle a few old, | | | | fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a |
| perhaps ancient dreams. You always wanted to play | | | | wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself."You are |
| the piano? Sign up for lessons. If you lost ten | | | | a child of the universe, no less than the trees and |
| pounds, you think you'd feel more in shape? Buy a | | | | the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether |
| brightly colored sweat suit and take low-impact | | | | or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is |
| aerobics. Attend a Weight Watchers group and count | | | | unfolding as it should."Therefore be at peace with |
| your food "points." Enroll in a tole painting class. Find a | | | | God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and |
| continuing education class at the local high school or | | | | whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy |
| community college about Using the Internet, or | | | | confusion of life keep peace with your soul."With all |
| making pottery, or learning to quilt. Check with your | | | | its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a |
| public library and learn how to join a group of local | | | | beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. |