So absolutely beautiful and true...have been experiencing the same. A few years ago I wrote this about my own winter...
"Forever Friends"
What began in dawning spring, now is winter's night.
Come walk a ways with me on my journey to the light.
Take my hand; we'll just walk and talk a while.
We'll be forever friends, go that extra mile.

Lots to share and lots to tell... that I am for sure.
I'll tell of hopes and dreams, memories to endure.
I've traveled so many paths, with many a hurt and sting.
Seems like minutes ago, but it was early... in the spring.

I don't know where the time has gone since way back then.
Lots of trouble sorting things out .. the where.... the when.

I remember summer, the warm breeze blowing through my hair,
Laughing memories, “did this”, “did that”, as my life I share.
There were hard times, pain beneath a heavy load. I agree!
Yet there were the times of beauty as far as you could see.

It was in the fall, as leaves turned from green to rust, gold, red,
I took a soulful look at the wandering paths I'd tread.

At times, don't always know the best way I should go.
I get lost! Lose my way...take paths piled deep in snow.
Winter is the greatest challenge, if truth be told .
My head says spring; my body shivers in the cold.

Now I see a turn ahead, one veering to the right.
I know that's your way; I must go toward the light.
Perhaps, beyond that unknown space of where and when,
Our paths will cross, then merge, and we'll be friends again.

Until...
Cecelia

Loved your post Ditter! I would have to say that I'm in the autumn of my life, and still very healthy and strong, so I am going to take your heartfelt words very seriously and start doing more and experiencing more. Your post puts me in mind of an Erma Bombeck quote I truly love: "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'."

That was a wonderful post, Ditter. I often reflect on how things my mother once told me are now things I have learned to be true for me also. Still learning.....

Lovely post, Ditter, thank you for putting into words the things that most of us feel

Exactly!!!

Right there with you! When my dad turned 70, he said he knew he was 70 on the outside but felt like he was 30 in his head. I didn't understand that when he said it just a short 25 years ago...but I do now.

Time runs out so fast, you can never believe how it hustles us on without our bidding. Now, you youngsters all listen to me as I know whereof I speak, as this is my 81st yr. on this once great earth and have so many memories, some crystal clear, some kind of murky and some I would rather not be seeing, but truth seeks its level and will have it's say. So, yes, if at all possible, do what you can that you are hankering to do as, before you know it, time has almost run out. Regrets, I have of some, blessings, I have of many. I guess I have no complaints.

THANKS for all the memories. I too have so many BLESSINGS and good health no meds @ 76 . I have no complaints.

I used to travel all the time, overseas, without a blink. My mother would tell me to travel while I could. Did I ever think the day would come when I couldn't, of course not. But then DH started getting A-Fib and Vertigo and we had to cancel a trip, and then cancel another. So now we travel in our camper and that is wonderful. I am soon 68 and he is 72 and we are in the late autumn of our lives now. Our naps are mandatory, as you said, but that's OK. We both lived rich, full and quite active lives and now we rest a little more than we like but we keep busy too. We delight in our younger grandsons and in having a simple ice cream cone. Our wants are not like before so we have more peace in our lives. I am embracing these changes in my life just as I look forward to the seasons here in Illinois. It is a fact of life that we either grow older or we die. Right now I look forward to having solid white hair someday. Old is OK !