words of wisdom

By Walter Eugene Davis Senior Helpers – Stratham, NH

Whether you are looking in the mirror, pondering a life event that brings a smile to your face, having an opinion or remark formed because of meditation, these are all moments of reflection.

“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.” ~ Margaret J. Wheatley

We officially have arrived in the Fall of 2021. Let’s focus on this being a time of reflection and balance. Summer rolls off into Fall, slowly like the appearance of fog. Fall is that buffer between the lazy days of summer and the deep quiet days of Winter. This is natures rite of passage! Plants pull in, trees take their sap into the roots for fuel, birds begin their migration to warmer locations, and the Autumn winds help trees shed their leaves. It is said, “Fall and Winter are a time for reflection, Spring and Summer are a time for living.”

A time for re-birth! Look at Fall as a re-start. A time to refocus on you! This is a great time to get outside (with that sweater on!) and head out for a walk. Whether it be along the beach or on one of the many trails that New Hampshire boasts. Getting out and taking in all that is changing around you is a fabulous time to set in motion some changes for yourself. Perhaps the warmer months derailed your exercise program; let’s get back to it!

Set aside time for yourself! Many can feel overwhelmed with the demands of life, especially caregivers. If this applies to you, start scheduling time aside for you. Time for relaxation and reflection, re-charge your batteries. Some activities may be as simple as sitting in your favorite chair reading a book, working in your garden, going apple picking or baking some pumpkin cookies.

Let go of the negative! We all have negative aspects in our life, whether it is negative habits or people who do not treat you with the respect that you deserve. These are often difficult areas to address. Take the time to reflect on these areas and decide what is best in your life. If you have a person who is an anchor in your life, they give you solid advice and they are there when you need them – bet on that horse! Not the person that has a glass that is always half full; the sheer thought of spending time with them brings you down. It is time to make a change, a change for you! Time to plan your next career move! Most people think that January

is the best time to make a career move, as the holidays are over and New Year’s resolutions have been declared. According to Kathryn Lively, a sociology professor and dean of Dartmouth College, “It’s intrinsic to associate the fall with a new, and likely more exciting, beginning in your life. The change of season from summer to fall triggers a conditioned response toward anticipation, based on early memories of starting each school year with new teachers and school supplies, as well as an exciting opportunity to rebrand your style in new clothes and grow your social circle.” In New Hampshire there are lots of job opportunities, especially in healthcare (Senior Helpers is hiring, you can come work with me!). Don’t follow the pack, lead your own journey.