Recently the appearance of Joni Mitchell at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival – her first full concert since 2000 – caught the attention of people across the world. Her unique music of the late 1960s and beyond brought memories to many and introduced new generations to those treasures of our youth. The cycle of seasons was highlighted in one of her songs.
“The seasons they go round and round…. We’re captive on the carousel of time.” Those words from “Circle Game” have that tone of nostalgia and also slow us down from the onward and upward, always progressing and getting better theme that dominates our culture these days.
“The Seasons They Go Round and Round”
We are all conscious of the cyclical movement in our lives as seasons change from summer to fall to winter to spring. Summer sun to fall leaves to winter cold to spring rebirth. Depending on where you live, those changes may be more or less dramatic. Even where they are less pronounced, the change in hours of daylight and temperatures assure that we experience the cycle of seasons.
One of those seasonal shifts is beginning. The shift from summer to fall seems elongated with school schedules so varied these days. Even if we don’t have children or grandchildren in school, the news and the sales promotions let us know that summer fun is shifting to school routines for children, teens and adults in higher education or training.
It’s been a particularly hot summer in much of the country and the world. Many are eagerly anticipating the shift to cooler temperatures and enjoying warm sweaters and candles. Does that include you?
Celebrating the Cycle of Seasons
How do you experience the seasonal cycle? Do you barely notice? Do you make routine changes like wardrobe, food choices, etc.? Do you celebrate each season, having favorite ways to embrace and experience every one as it comes along?
Let me make the case for the latter option. Celebrating each passing season acknowledges the “Circle Game” of Joni Mitchell’s song – but with a different tone. I love the song, but there’s a sadness in it. Perhaps it the minor key of the music.
Celebration is looking forward to the experiences you most enjoy in any given season. It’s prioritizing and planning for certain things that you want to happen so the pace of your life doesn’t allow the season to pass before you know it. Your ‘I’d like to….” thoughts for the next season can become reality if you make a bucket list and get out the calendar. I wrote about making a fall bucket list here: https://carolbrusegar.com/autumn-pleasures-and-treasures/make-a-fall-bucket-list/
Celebration is sharing your favorite parts of the season with others, by including them or sharing your experiences to encourage them to immerse themselves in the uniqueness of the time of year. Celebration may be recording those special times in journals, poetry, photos, or art.
As you look toward fall, what are you looking forward to? What things do you always treasure? What have you wanted to do but never have? What did you do sometime in the past and loved but haven’t done for awhile? Even if it feels too soon to do this as the summer heat continues, this process can shift your mindset from weariness to anticipation and excitement.
To get you started, here’s a free simple Fall Bucket List form to download, print and use: Fall Bucket List. I also invite you to visit and like my Facebook page, Enjoying Every Season
One way I enjoy for celebrating the seasons is to switch decor in my home. Even a few changes can make a big difference. Here’s a place to explore what you might want to add: Autumn/Fall Decor
I’m Carol Brusegar, author, photographer and curator of information. My focus is on gathering and writing on topics that enhance all our lives – regardless of our age. Topics include health and wellness, personal development, innovation and creativity, and a variety of helpful, practical tools and practices. I have a special interest in helping people over 50 years of age to create their 3rd Age – the next stage of their lives – to be the best it can be.
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