I am celebrating my birthday today…BIG 43! I really cannot believe I am 43 years old! Where does the time go? Just yesterday I was riding my banana seat bike down Downey Drive and catching crawfish out of the ditch (of course I put them back!). And I would still be doing those things if I wasn’t required to be an “adult” and have other important responsibilities. 🙂
I really do not like being the center of attention in social situations whatsoever. I remember birthdays past when my mom would throw a big shindig for me and all of the family would be at our house to celebrate with me…I would be totally embarrassed while all eyes were on me while I was blowing out my candles. I would just prefer to celebrate quietly as I am today. I tried to have a small get together last night with some of my close friends but it ended up not working out so I instead went out for birthday eve Japanese food with “Chester” and we had a blast. But this morning I went to work as usual, had leftovers for lunch in the break room and stopped off for take out on my way home for dinner (a turkey sandwich and a turtle pie). Yes, I bought myself an entire ice cream pie…it has turned into a tradition and I may or may not share it!
As I said, I do not enjoy being the center of attention. However, I do ENJOY celebrating my birthday, in my own way, like I never have in the past. My 42nd and 43rd birthdays have been special ones to me because I have been AWAKE for them. I appreciate EVERYTHING like I never did before my awakening in 2013. IT IS A BLESSING TO JUST BE ALIVE!!!
I have a friend who lost his wife to appendix cancer last year…she was only 35 years old. I did not know her personally but from what I do know, she was an amazing human being. She touched the lives of many with her graceful presence and she is missed greatly by her loved ones. But the Lord took her for a reason.
I have another friend who lost her son to suicide last year. He was only 20 years old. I am going to be writing a blog about his story very soon so I am not going to explain too much about it now…but my friend has suffered a loss that no mother should suffer. She is extremely strong and courageous though…more so than she knows and I admire her for that. Her son was only here with us for a short time but his story will help inspire many. The Lord took him for a reason.
Just over a week ago a 15 year old young man was killed by a drunk driver in our city. I can only imagine the heartache and devastation his family is experiencing right now. The Lord took him for a reason.
So yeah, I don’t want to make a great big deal about MY birthday. But I want to make a BIG DEAL about waking up EVERYDAY and just being ALIVE. We are only here for a short time folks…some of us much shorter than others. Wake up and realize that. Let go of the petty frustrations and stresses in your daily life. Stop sweating the small stuff. Stop being so hard on yourself and stop expecting so much from everyone else. Life is never going to be perfect. We are all doing our best. Love yourself and love others and make the most of each and every single day. Tell your family and friends you love them and you are thankful to have them in your life. LIFE IS SO PRECIOUS.
Live in the NOW and stop wishing and waiting for happiness. You already have everything you need inside of you to be happy. God has already given you the cure…it is up to YOU to wake up and recognize it. GET RID OF THAT DEAD STUFF THAT IS WEIGHING YOU DOWN ON THE INSIDE AND LIVE…YOU ARE ALIVE!
Thank you to all of the special people in my life…I am thankful for all of you. You know who you are!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!
I AM THANKFUL. I AM BLESSED. I AM ALIVE. 🙂
Stacey ~ iamalive