Yesterday was my birthday! I am basking in the glow of being celebrated and celebrating myself. And even though I celebrated all last week with fun little presents, a few dinners out, a marvelous dark chocolate and whipped cream cake, and had many people singing to me at different times, I am continuing my celebration into this week too. Yes, over the past few years, I’ve been celebrating my birthday week and sometimes longer… but it wasn’t always this way.
For years, I didn’t feel that birthdays were very important. It didn’t matter to me whether or not I celebrated, if anyone called to wish me a Happy Birthday or sing to me, whether I had a cake with candles, or if I got any cards or presents. And even though all these things happened each year like clockwork, and even though I enjoyed when they happened and I felt and appreciated the love, I still looked at my birthday as just another day.
And then, a few years ago it hit me that I had been missing out on what I know to be a crucial element of life.
CELEBRATION — and specifically, the celebration of one’s life and individuality and uncommon purpose in this global community in this exact space and time.
Look, I know that we are all unique and special individuals and that there are no two people exactly alike. The planet is full of people who share many of the same traits, values, feelings, and desires that we have – and many of them we’ve never even met. Sometimes, we even look like some of them – you know, they say we all have a twin somewhere. And although we respond similarly to certain stimuli, and sometimes speak the same thoughts and laugh at the same jokes, there are more nuances than we can count.
So, on this day, I remind myself that I am a rare and singular woman and that the way I think and move and show up in this world is my own. I can’t believe this is a mistake or an accident. Am I perfect? Hell no. Am I yet all I am intended to be? Hell no, again. I am a work in progress, and an ever-evolving original. Some people call me a ‘piece of work’, and that’s okay by me because it’s true.
I know that I, just like you, am made in the image and likeness of God. And because this is true, all we have to do is look around to see that God is multi-faceted, multi-cultural, multi-talented, and infinitely intricate and magnificent. I love looking into the face of another and reminding myself to see the face of God. I love looking into their eyes and seeing light and meaning, and I love listening to their voice and hearing the whispers of angels. This is one of my new practices – it’s not always easy, but it is always worth it.
So, the days are gone for not celebrating and giving proper credence to my birthday. Now I celebrate and dwell on the beauty and wonder of life, how I landed here in this very moment, and what awesome experience I am going to have next. I also relax into the ease and privilege of doing nothing at all if that’s what I choose…because that’s what life is, a series of choices and thoughts and doings.
I CELEBRATE everything that led me to this very moment and every representative candle on my cake. And although for years, I had been thinking that birthdays were just like any other day of life, I now know that celebrating me is just as important as celebrating you. And so today, I thank God for this beautiful life, for my options and experiences, for my family and friends, and for each and every taste, touch, smell, and breath.
I decided that my birthday is a time to count my blessings and set my intentions. I am counting you as one of my blessings and setting the intention to stay in touch more often.
AND because it’s my birthday, and I love to give, I have a present for YOU! Check below to ‘open’ yours!
And so, having shared with you my birthday thoughts, I am now going to continue my celebration by having chocolate whipped cream cake and coffee for breakfast.
Ahhh… life is good. Happy birthday to me!
With love and gratitude for you,
Sue
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My birthday present for you!
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Download the book of your choice:
Journey to Joy: https://powerfulyoupublishing.com/giftjoy
Pathways to Vibrant Health & Well-Being: https://powerfulyoupublishing.com/giftpathways
ENJOY!!!
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