A sharing by Ling Sing Lin
Camelot
There is a 1967 movie called Camelot, where Sir Lancelot sang “If ever I would leave you”. He could not leave Guinevere whether in Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter, because she is beautiful in every season.
Seasons of Life
Besides seasons of the year, there are the seasons of life, which can be similarly expressed as spring, summer, autumn and winter. Each has its beauty. Each also has its trials and tribulations. If we are so lucky as to live through all the seasons, we realise that life is made up of small unimportant events and insignificant things in every season of our lives.
Springtime
This is the period of new beginnings and opportunities, of growth, of romance, of starting new careers. This is the time we can afford to take some risks, to take action, to work hard, and patiently wait for results. We are often too naïve to realise that there are no shortcuts, and get seduced by immediate gratification.
Summer
This is when we have children and are busy with them and with our careers, with socializing and wining and dining. We are busy, busy, busy. There are many distractions in our lives. This is actually the time to develop good habits, and overcome obstacles with persistence. Our goals are not yet accomplished.
Autumn/Fall
This is when we reach maturity, also when we reap success and failure. We see the results of our efforts. Our children may be leaving home, and may be getting married. We become empty nesters.
Winter
This appears the dreariest season, often depicted as sadness, heartbreak, loneliness and sickness. However, if you have prepared yourself during your other seasons of life, and have harvested during the fall season, this is the time to rest, to take it easy, to sharpen your tools and develop skills and knowledge.
You can be a grandparent, living with an extended family or living alone. You may have grandparenting duties. You may be spending significant time on medical appointments. That is OK. You still have time to travel, socialise with friends, go to concerts, do whatever you like to do, including taking naps.
Every Season has a Purpose
Don’t judge your life based only on the current season. Every season has a purpose. You have benefited from it. Good or bad, things will change. What is important is that you take responsibility for your actions in life. They will determine your happiness and success.
My Favorite Season
Having reached the early winter of my life, I am able to assess which is my favorite season, at least up to this point. As I mentioned, every season has its blessings, joys, trials and tribulations.
Being a shy and introverted youth with low self esteem, despite some successes in my early years, spring is not my favorite season.
I think I was at my peak in summer and early autumn, at least physically, mentally and career-wise. But despite some thrills and successes, there were stresses and difficulties to overcome.
In retrospect, the favorite season of my life surprisingly, is winter! Of course I do not enjoy being physically and mentally slower. I am also at the most physically unattractive period of my life. There are few highs and few lows. Not much excitement and highlights may be more like lowlights. However, I am blessed with good health, I have adequate financial resources, and time to indulge in whatever I fancy. I only do what I like to do. I love my retirement. Other things being equal, I discover that it is time and freedom that I treasure. Winter is my most enjoyable time. Of course, this is before I get disabled, decrepit and demented, when I will likely change my tune!
lingsinglin
Dr Ling Sing Lin is a medical doctor by training. She worked in MOH HQ for many years, in policy making and administrative positions, until her retirement.
