The Autumn Years
When I talk about finding your passion, purpose, and possibilities, I often refer to the autumn years of our lives. Sounds pretty poetic, right? But let’s be real—what does it really mean? We’re aging, no denying that, but we still have plenty of life ahead of us. When I catch myself complaining about getting older, I try to remember one of my favorite quotes by Mark Twain: “Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” Amen to that!
The Autumn Years: A Definition
The autumn of our lives is often seen as a time when careers slow down, family responsibilities shift, and we get to live life on our own terms.
But it’s also like the third quarter of a football game. What happens in the third quarter? You shake off any mistakes from the first half and focus on the rest of the game. There’s still time to strategize, score points, and enjoy every single yard of the game. Sure, we know the end is inevitable (let’s not sugarcoat it), but the game is far from over. We’ve still got plays to make before the whistle blows.
Let the Leaves Fall
You know those days in autumn when it looks like it’s raining leaves? Beautiful, right? Well, maybe it’s time to let some of our “leaves” fall, too. By the time we hit our autumn years, we’ve accumulated more than just a few gray hairs (which look fabulous, by the way).
We’ve picked up life experiences and knowledge—and, honestly, we’ve got a little baggage. The insecurities, people-pleasing, and comparisons from our 20s, 30s, and 40s? Yeah, it’s time to drop that dead weight.
Autumn is all about shedding what doesn’t serve us anymore. That old argument with a friend you can’t even remember. Let it go. The nagging feeling that you’re not doing “enough”? Let it go. We’re past the halfway mark, and the goal now is to enjoy the game, live with purpose, and focus on what matters.
Your Autumn To-Do List: 10 Ways to Own It
Let’s keep this simple. If we’re going to make the most of our autumn years, we’ve got to live it up. Here’s your to-do list to make this the best season of your life:
- Celebrate Your Birthday Like a National Holiday
None of this “it’s just another day” nonsense. Did you wake up? Do you get a whole extra year? That’s something to celebrate. Make it a thing—balloons, cake, the works. (I don’t care if you’re turning 72, bring on the confetti!)
- Be Actually Present
Remember those times when you were with people you love but mentally were somewhere else? Stop that. Be there. Put the phone down, forget social media, and soak in the moment. Trust me, these are the moments you’ll cherish later.
- Read More—And I Don’t Mean Facebook Comments
Books are good for your brain. They help you stress less, sleep better, and keep your mind sharp. When was the last time a book made you want to turn off your phone? (Facebook debates, on the other hand…)
- Let Sh*t Go
You’ve been carrying around grudges, regrets, self-doubt, and all sorts of baggage. It’s heavy. It’s time to drop that load and move forward, lighter and more accessible. Life is too short to hold onto things that drag you down.
- Slow Down Without Feeling Guilty
We’re so used to doing everything all the time. But guess what? It’s okay to slow down now. There’s even a whole movement for it— “Slow Living.” It’s about focusing on quality over quantity. Amen to that, right?
- Give and Receive—Balance Is Key
Giving is great, but so is receiving. Don’t just be the one who’s always giving—whether it’s advice, time, or emotional support. Let people give back to you, too. You deserve it.
- Do It Now
Have something on your bucket list? Want to try that thing finally, you’ve been putting off for years? What are you waiting for? We don’t know how much time we’ve got left, so go for it. Now’s your moment.
- Start a Gratitude Journal
If you haven’t done this yet, you’re missing out. Writing down what you’re grateful for helps you sleep better, feel happier, and focus on the good stuff. And if nothing else, it’s a great reminder on tough days.
- Create a Legacy Every Day
Don’t wait until the end to think about your legacy. You’re building it right now with every action, every word, and every connection. What will people remember about you? Go out there and create it.
- Enjoy Your Life—Every Bit of It
Life is short. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true. So why not wake up every day with joy, curiosity, and a sense of fun? You’ve worked hard—now it’s time to reap the rewards and enjoy this beautiful season.
What Does Your Autumn Look Like?
Here’s the fun part: What are you doing to make the most of your autumn years? How are you spending this time? Maybe you’re rediscovering old passions, trying something completely new, or just soaking in the beauty of a slower pace. Whatever it is, I want to hear from you. Shoot me a message or leave a comment—let’s talk about how we’re making these years the best ones yet.