Walking into the Wind

I checked the weather radar online when I got up this morning, and decided I could get in a walk between the forecasted rain showers. The day is cool and very windy, but I started out under blue skies with clouds in the distance.


Autumn is my favorite season.  I love the leaf colors...brilliant reds, oranges and yellows contrasted with dark evergreens.  I love the aroma of rain-soaked leaves and the sound of my feet swishing through them.  Although I try to push myself and keep up a brisk pace, I find myself distracted by the sights and sounds, and I lose focus on the intent to exercise.  Many homes in my area have lovely fall decorations or rather tawdry Halloween-y ones.  No matter, I enjoy the plastic pumpkins as much as the huge hardy mums.  


Over halfway through the 3 miles, I was greeted and passed by a young woman...probably half my age.  She strode by and left me in her dust.  I sighed, wishing I could keep up.  As I rounded a corner, she was still in sight.  I heard feet behind me.  Along came a jogging teenage girl...probably half the age of the young woman.  They were both still in sight when the teenager blew by the young woman.  I chuckled to myself.


I had an aunt who said to me once, "Youth is always beautiful."  I was young at the time and didn't quite understand.  Of course, I have also heard it said that "youth is wasted on the young."  


The last block home is uphill, and this morning, I was walking into a headwind. I wondered how much of a wind it would take to stop me in my tracks. I mused that I am also walking into the headwind of age.  Eventually that will stop me in my tracks, I suppose.  Meantime, I will enjoy the wind, the colors, the aromas, the sounds, and I will smile at those with the strength and energy of youth who leave me in their wake.