The Seasonal Ebb and Flow of Life

Within each of Mother Nature’s four seasons, there appears to be a unique ebb and flow to life. This is reflected upon in terms of the seasonal transitions of life from “the womb to the tomb” or “Pampers to Depends.” In Season I, “The Springtime of Life,” childhood, the spirited teenager and early adult years are described. Going through puberty, leaving the family cocoon, selecting a career, looking for love and facing commitment in the “Age of Aquarius” are presented. Within Seasons II and III, “The Summer to Autumn Transformation,” the often painful phase of female menopause, and male “man-o-pause,” is discussed. The experience of men and women facing some version of the classic midlife crisis is discussed. The aging process and its effect on the body, the inevitable emotional mood swings which make a person appear on edge or behave impatiently with his or her spouse, children, friends or co-workers; and the various, sometime infuriating ways in which individuals deal with these crises. Or my longtime partner and love succinctly says, “I simply don’t have any patience for idiots, incompetent people and stupidity anymore.” The person in crisis may attempt to escape reality by using drugs, alcohol, or religion, or by seeking relief through sexual encounters with different partners. Such actions frequently result in divorce or at minimum, a dysfunctional marriage. In Season IV, “The Winter to Eternity,” the focus is upon Golden Agers facing retirement, enjoying the twilight years, entering nursing homes, coming to terms with death and hoping for a life in the “hereafter.”