Get Busy Living

I've always thought that how the trees' leaves become their most colorful and beautiful later in their lifespans is like how humans seem to be the most colorful, wise, and candid versions of themselves in their golden years.

By the time we reach the age of retirement, senior citizen discounts, and AARP membership cards, we're more knowledgeable than we've ever been about our favorite subjects, and we're also more self-aware. We know what's important to us and have set stronger boundaries for what we will (and will not) tolerate. Who doesn't have a funny story about a grandparent or other beloved senior who always "tells it like it is?" For those who don't, check out a few classic episodes of The Golden Girls and pay particular attention to the character of Sophia — 
her hilariously blunt one-liners are a prime example.

Most of us have heard the saying, "Today is the oldest you've ever been," which should inspire us to keep racking up new experiences and making memories, so the older we get, the more interesting we become. Why not go on an autumn expedition to explore one of North Georgia's charming mountain towns? If you need some ideas of where to go and what to do, check out this month's "Autumn Day Trippin' in North Georgia" feature on pages 20-21. There are also lots of fun fall events closer to home, many of which are listed in our Events Calendar on pages 6-8.

One of my all-time favorite movie quotes from Stephen King's Shawshank Redemption seems applicable here: "Get busy living or get busy dying." So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and add more life to your years!

Wishing you a fun-filled October,