On September 20th, I turn 38. In a conversation with my husband, I confessed that the older I grow, the less I know. Part of me keeps wondering, when I will be wise about my choices and reactions. On most days, I am filled with a multitude of emotions, the swing moving from happiness to regret to sadness to sheer joy. Much of this resembles the pendulum of life and the unexpected joys and sadness that stream from it.
Despite my own uncertainty, my birthday always makes me feel grateful for life, family and good friends. In the last few years, I’ve tried to really focus on the present and how fulfilling it can be. I am constantly looking, but not necessarily really seeing what messages the universe attempts to send me. But I am trying. Everyday.
As trite as it may sound, everyday you are able to get up and move about your routine is a great day. Laughing with your spouse, hugging your child and drinking that cup of coffee signifies you are still in it and able to participate in life. I believe the older I get, I am acutely aware of how grateful I am for small things. I don’t always need grand celebrations or pomp and circumstance, but the awareness that in this moment, life is good.
The moment it turns the other way becomes the day when it isn’t your birthday anymore.
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
Happy Birthday, dear friend!
Life is good and gratitude and appreciation for what it offers is even better…
Sounds like you are aware of all three and are living your dream — good for you, and many happy returns.
Trish
Thanks for the birthday wishes. Living life and appreciating its ordinary graces is something I am reminded of everyday.
As trite as it may sound, everyday you are able to get up and move about your routine is a great day. – how very true, treasure the moments.
Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!! I hope that you had an amazing birthday with lots of love and lots of cake 🙂 Wishing you the best!!!!!!
A belated Thanks for the birthday wishes. I appreciate it.
Happy B-Day—I like the Virgo energy (my wife’s September 19th) and the earthy gratitude for your life as you’re living it. Namaste and All Good Wishes for a fabulous year
Bruce, a belated thanks for the birthday wishes. I like the Virgo energy too 🙂 – at least most of the time.
Happy, happy birthday dear bloggy friend! Life is good, indeed. Especially, with you in it!
Awww, thanks Jane. Appreciate that so much. A belated thanks for your birthday wishes. xoxo
Happy Birthday! I hope you find the wisdom you are seeking this year! (But I think you’re very wise already!)
As usual, I’m a day late and a dollar short, but I send you all of my best (if belated) wishes for a wonderful year ahead. It’s been such a pleasure getting to know you in the bloggy world that we share. I always appreciate your reflections on your life and today’s is no exception. xo
Well Happy (Belated) Birthday! You’re a Spring Chicken (believe me) – so enjoy every energetic moment!
Birthdays are often a time for reflection, and ideally, appreciation. Here’s to you for knowing what matters, and treasuring it.
Happy belated birthday, Rudri! I totally agree – birthdays are the perfect time to reflect. Wait til you hit 40 – THAT was a big one for thinking the Big Thoughts.
happy happy belated birthday to you. the tone of this post is full of grace and gratitude. I find myself feeling the same way near birthdays and anniversaries. hope your celebrations were delightful.