Have you noticed that the light is changing? I’ve been seeing it for awhile now, but I keep pretending it’s not happening.
It’s happening.
Lately I’m waking up to deep inky skies, and rushing to sneak in a walk after dinner. The days are decidedly shorter in the Northern Hemisphere, as summer fades, and it’s tugging at my heart.
I love the long summer days, always have. I love waking up to light in my eyes. I love the spaciousness and expanse of extra daylight hours, and the way it feels like possibility around every corner. So I’m always a little bit sad as the end of August nears.
This morning, when I woke up in almost (but not quite) darkness, I felt the familiar pang. I don’t want shorter days. I don’t want to wake up in the dark. I don’t want summer to end.
And then I remembered a few things:
For starters, so many people are excited for summer to end! I love this about us, because you (those of you who are already pulling out your sweaters and ordering all things pumpkin spice) remind me that it’s all in the eye of the beholder. Of course.
And I do love candlelight and cozy blankets, open windows, crisp air, and my clogs and boots. My rain jacket. Soups and stews. I love applesauce simmering on the stove. I love butternut squash. These are fall things, and they’re coming so soon.
Not to mention the change of seasons - I love that too, because each one helps me appreciate the others. And the seasons are a cycle - each one comes around again. Besides, the change of seasons is outside of my control, happening whether I like it or not.
And then there’s this, which is at the crux of it all, and the reason I’m telling you this story tonight: I don’t want to walk around discontented.
And not only that, I don’t have to walk around discontented.
Yes, I’m feeling keenly the passage of time, but what an absolute flipping gift to experience the passage of time!! It makes me think of my father, my Aunt Paula, my friends Larry, Alicia, and David, and so many people I have known and loved for whom the passage of time was halted all too soon - they all died before they reached the age I am today.
I don’t want to walk through my life discontented. And I don’t have to.
I can be sad that the light is waning, and I can look forward to wool socks and lentil soup. At the same time.
I get to choose where I place my perspective.
What a reminder.
Monday:
Yoga in the morning.
The Libby app, which enables me to borrow (and return!) books from the library with so much ease.
When the kitchen is totally clean at the end of the evening, including the counters and stovetop. A gift to my future self.
Now you? Tell me 3 good things?
Xo.
