And what is so rare as a day in June?
Then, if ever, come perfect days.
John Keats
The May long weekend always seemed to mark the beginning of summer, but it officially begins with the summer solstice on June 20. We welcome this sunny season when days grow longer and we look forward to what’s ahead: summer vacations, barbecues, beach days, fishing, and more.
Nothing speaks more to me of the changing seasons than the sudden appearance of the lowly dandelion. My yard is dotted with hundreds of bright, cheery yellow buttons on a green background, looking for all the world like polka dot fabric. It is beautiful!
We paid homage to our mothers in May, and it’s most appropriate to honour our dads in June. Happy Father’s Day on June 16.
Wasn’t May a busy month? Such fun: the ball, the tea, the parade, rodeo, and dance … great time in Clinton!
Congratulations Wayne Marchant! How fitting to be selected Citizen of the Year for 2023. It’s a well-deserved recognition and honour.
More thoughts on accepting your age in style:
* Stay as well as possible. Yes, your body is getting older, but letting yourself go physically is not an option.
* Be reasonable. Aging is a reality. Psychologically, attitude has a huge impact on how you handle it. Take time to discover all the benefits and possibilities of your current stage of life and all those to come.
* Accept your freedom. Be who and what you want to be. Don’t waste time worrying about what other people are thinking about you. It doesn’t matter. Decide to be happy in spite of wrinkles and baldness, aches and pains. Develop that attitude.
* Practice gratitude. Savour all the good, simple things: a bird call, fall colours, a rainbow. All these small things help to get you out of a slump and make you glad to be alive, make you happy rather than sad.
* Look at others who live their older years well as role models. They have lots to teach us. Draw inspiration from them and be encouraged to emulate them. That doesn’t mean you’ll start running marathons at age 77!
* Stay curious and current. Stay informed on what’s happening in the world and what’s going on with your grandchildren. You don’t have to like their style or their music but just enjoy their presence. Learn what interests them. Consider the changes since you were that age, the differences and similarities.
* What are your plans? Having projects can make you happy and can help you age well.
* Positive attitude. Feeling sorry for yourself and dwelling on real or perceived limits doesn’t help. Focus on seeing the positive side of things while approaching life with fortitude and courage.
* Find ways to be useful. Volunteer or be a mentor or consultant.
Aging is a little scary. You’re aware that there’s more behind you than ahead, but work hard at learning to live for today. Cultivate an aura of contentment. Banish thoughts of depression. Enjoy the slower pace. You need to accept that the options you had when you were younger are no longer possible or appropriate, but that doesn’t mean you can’t welcome future opportunities with excitement and pleasure. You can age peacefully and joyfully.
The next regular meeting of the Clinton Seniors’ Association is June 20, 2024 following lunch at the Clinton Seniors’ Centre (217 Smith Avenue). Seniors close off the busy year with a Yard Sale on July 1 at the Seniors’ Centre from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., then take a summer recess, with no meetings until the fall. The next regular meeting will be on Sept. 19; come and join us!
Happy Birthday to Yvette May (June 18).
To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent: that is to triumph over old age.
Thomas Bailey Aldrich
