Life is a process, and not a station.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Autumn is here! It’s a short-lived season, fleeting as it transitions from the warmth of summer to the crispness of winter. It has always seemed to me that once Halloween arrives, the year is gone in a blur. One moment we’re carving jack-o’-lanterns, the next, we find ourselves taking down the Christmas tree, and I couldn’t tell you how we got there. The vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold that blanket the trees offer a pleasant diversion, yet it feels as if time moves faster during these months, speeding us through family gatherings and holiday preparations, and before we catch our breath, it’s a new year.
Time becomes increasingly significant as we age, its fleeting nature becoming more apparent with each passing year. Recently, I heard a conversation where someone asked, “You do know they’ll be back tomorrow?” The response was, “But, it will never be today again.” Those words struck a chord within me, serving as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of time and the importance of cherishing the present moment. No, it will never be today again. Only memories remain of that time. Memories that grow more precious as they serve as reminders of who we were, what we experienced, and how we felt. Each day unfolds uniquely and irreplaceably, urging us to live fully and savor each moment as it slips away into our past.
I’ve always been amazed by individuals who can recall random details from years ago. Unfortunately, I lack this skill. While I do remember significant moments in my life, much of the rest has faded into a blur, like pages turning in a book, each filled with thoughts, events, and emotions that have long since vanished from my memory. Now that time has passed, I find myself reflecting on those lost memories and wishing I had paid more attention to the small, yet important, moments that make up the tapestry of our lives.
A few years ago, I began writing every morning. Not as much a journal as random thoughts about what is happening in the moment. I have attempted, through the years, to keep a diary. Sadly, after a few months, the entries became fewer and fewer until one day they stopped completely, lost to daily life and the demands it imposes on our time and mental energy. However, I am doing better. I have written several journals filled with musings on varying topics. This exercise serves as both a reminder and an inspiration to cherish the present and the moments that often go unnoticed.
Peace be with you.
Aging with Grace 
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