I think the words above were absolutely the best first paragraph of any book in existence. It is true of all parts of life, but, I think, especially true for those of us in our autumn years. Here are some of the things that make me say that:

• It is a time when many write you off as irrelevant
  
• It is a time when many are so financially challenged
• It is a time when we can’t avoid recognizing our bodies are betraying us
• It is a time when friends and family are dying off
• It is a time when despair just might be paramount in our life

What is the antidote for this despair? To me, like so many other times in my life, the antidote is to stare down the bad times, and get on with your life. All of us go through periods of despair in our lives. I know I have had more than my share. I spent most of my early and mid-years wondering why I was so different from those around me. It would be my autumn years before I discovered an answer for that. When I Iost that last shred of hearing at mid-life, I spent years wondering how I would cope with the hearing world. When Iost my wife two years ago, I didn’t know how I could cope with even daily life. Even today, that continues to be a struggle.

People who know me and my circumstances, say that I am brave. While that might stroke my ego, the fact is that I have only been dealing with the card dealt to me. I have come to realize that happiness is fleeting, and suffering demands meaning. It is only when we finally accept that, that we can live our lives with at least a degree of happiness.

What can you do to make your life meaningful and happy?

Love your friends and family when they are around, and love the memories when they are no longer here. Embrace your hobbies and passions. Serve the community however you are able. Pay forward all your successes and gifts you have received in life. Instead of giving all your money to your children, consider setting aside some for those who struggle for what your children already have.

When we help others, we help ourselves.

It is as simple as that…