By: Sheila Borgen, PT
It has been cold here in AL over the past couple of weeks. I have had to set a nightly alarm to ensure I leave water dripping each night to avoid my pipes freezing. The sky has been gray and gloomy. The grass is dead, and no flowers can brighten the landscape. Winter can be harsh. It can be depressing…… if you allow it to be.
Not all things in winter must be dreary, though. The air is incredibly crisp. There is snowfall in many regions that offer picturesque landscapes. The festive atmosphere of the holidays is captivating. Many of the pesky insects are no longer a nuisance. A cup of hot chocolate, a book, and a blanket offer a cozy winter afternoon opportunity.
Like life, each season will offer its share of negatives and positives.
Being a child should be full of carefree moments. Fun. Adventure. Laughter. But there are frustrations of always having an adult guide your decisions.
The early teenage years bring struggles of identifying who one is yet offer opportunities for close friendships and even young romance.
Later teenage years bridging into the early twenties find individuals determining career paths, which is an exciting yet daunting feat.
In the late twenties and thirties, many people find themselves getting married and realizing that being with their soul mate is a blessing but full of challenges.
After marriage, children often become a part of the picture, which is so joyful, except when your two-year-old yells at you in public. Or vomits all over the inside of your car.
Here come the 40s, with many people celebrating their children graduating from high school but realizing their home is empty and lonely.
The 50s may bring about traveling and enjoying life. But it may also be coupled with a midlife crisis or two.
The 60s might offer up grandchildren to spend time with. As well as the realization that you can’t keep up with them like you could when you were raising your children.
When you hit the 70’s, you may begin to appreciate the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. You might also realize that you must plan ahead to enjoy the sunrise, as your body is moving quite a bit slower these days.
The 80s will inevitably make a presence, and you may cherish each relationship now more than ever. You may also move slower and hold on to a walker to get around.
If you are lucky enough to make it to the 90s, seeing a single flower bloom may fill you with utmost joy. But getting out of bed may wrack your body with pain.
Each season of life offers both good and bad. But there is so much to be thankful for. There are so many blessings that should not be taken for granted. I encourage each of you to look for the good not only in each season of your life but also each day of your life. The good is there! I promise!
Sheila Borgen, PT, Author
Sheila is a freelance writer for physical health, mental health, and parenting. She has four exceptional children, one adopted from South Korea. She lives in Alabama with her husband and children. Sheila enjoys cheering her children on at archery tournaments, soccer games, and color guard performances. She has over 25 years of experience as a physical therapist with a special love for the senior population.
