I think it’s interesting, watching people’s reactions to their birthday. Some think their birthday is a chance to party, taking the opportunity to get stupidly drunk, either in joy or search for oblivion.
Others like a quiet day with friends or family, have a subdued get together and relax. Finally, some dread the day; ignore it as best possible hoping that nobody will notice. I think that a birthday is more than a personal holiday, it’s a reminder that another year of your life has passed, one that you can never get back. A person’s reaction to that realization is, in my humble opinion, an indication of how they feel about their current life status and what it means about who they are, right now.
It’s my birthday, and I have advanced one more year, putting me in my mid 30’s. Too old to go skydiving without being told I’m crazy and too young for a mid-life crisis. Old enough to be called ma’am in a supermarket but young enough that nobody looks surprised to see me with young kids. I guess that means I look my age. Funny, but that doesn’t bother me.
I like my life. I like that a “good night” is quite often a quiet night on the sofa, watching TV with my husband and the kids fast asleep. I like that I am old enough to have a certain level of wisdom but young enough to have sufficient energy to chase my kids. I like that that I have lived enough years, enjoyed enough success and survived enough sadness and pain to carry a calm strength. I may have lost a few battles, but the war is on my side. No reason to believe the future will tip those scales.
Some people make New Year’s resolutions on January 1rst, but years ago I stole the idea of making New Year’s resolutions on my birthday. It felt more personal. This year, I have a few in mind.
This birthday, I feel lucky for what I am and what I have. I feel so fortunate for the health and happiness of my children, my husband and my extended family. I feel so fortunate for my wonderful friends, who are really the family you have the honor of choosing. I feel fortunate for the right to an average, peaceful and non-eventful day. Why would I want anything more?
To those of you reading this, THANK YOU for being part of this life that makes me feel so satisfied.
Each and every one of you.
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