Today is my birthday.
No parades, other than lines of children braving the chill for custard at Whit’s, just like they always do.
No canon fire . . other than the raucous call of Canada geese heading back north, and a much softer serenade of local birds calling for spring.
Just a quiet recognition that another year has passed, and life continues to move forward in a somewhat irregular yet circular fashion.
Strange thing, though: Yesterday was very much the same. (Okay, by accounting standards I was a year younger. So?!)
The thing is, no shooting stars called me from my sleep in the middle of the night to foretell the turning of my years. And just like every other morning, I got up today from the same side of the bed, and stepped over my sleeping dog to reach the light.
Simple, ordinary, every day stuff.
Yet, this day is different. Since it’s my day, I get to create it down to the last measure. I can turn the whole thing into a celebration of all the people and experiences who have added meaning to my life. Or, if I so choose, I can embrace its quiet side . . and wrap it round me like a newborn’s first soft blanket.
Personally, I’m leaning toward all of the above. A quiet celebration of time, friendship, and love. Would that all days might carry so many openings and opportunities. (I know. I know. They do. Sometimes I’m just too far down the rabbit hole to recognize it.)
Presents. For YOU!
So, in honor of my day, I have gifts for you.
(Aren’t birthdays just the coolest things ever? I get to give gifts!)
And these aren’t just any gifts. These are gifts of thought and learning. These are gifts of introduction to some friends of mine – some blogs with whom I spend time. I hope you’ll like them as much as I do.
Here you go. They’re all for you.
You’re welcome to rip their wrappings off and hang their bows over your ears if you like. Personally, I’d take my time, and savor them one by one.
First, Ken Robert, the creative genius at Mildly Creative, wrote a great post on legacy (totally midlife!). I don’t always agree with what Ken has to say, but I’m rarely bored. Besides, his drawings are thoroughly great!
Next, Charles Leadbeater, from The School Of Life, wrote a very thought-provoking piece on “Perspective”. It’s short, but it hits several hot buttons right where we live. From old age and what it takes to make a good life, to the need for changing the way we look at life’s end, this is a quick read that I certainly think is worth the thought and time.
Finally, something easy . . dessert. The Mindfulist. Gwen Bell’s and Patrick Reynolds‘ daily posts on this blog are short and sweet. They’re also thoughtful, to the point, and a total challenge to complete. (That’s the wisdom part.) Oh, did I forget to say this blog consists of a whole year’s worth of daily opportunities to become more mindful in our approach to life? Consider it said. Enjoy.
So, there you are . . one gift . . three very different calls to stretch your challenge muscles, and to grow in your thinking.
I hope you enjoy my birthday as much as I do.
Gotta go now . . cake and ice cream custard call.
Keep growing my friend,
Gail
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy birthday, Gail.
Thank you Patty. It’s great hearing from you. Hope you’ll celebrate this day as much as I do . . just for the sunny dayness of it. – g
Happy birthday. This is the first time I have read your blog. Hope you had a great day.
Cathy Cress
http://www.agingfamilydial411.blogspot.com/
Thank you Cathy. I had a great birthday! In fact, since it’s MY birthday . . and since I’m queen of my universe . . I decided the celebration should continue all year (with breaks for other people’s days, and holidays, of course). It seems the older we get, the fewer celebrations we give ourselves. It’s time that changed.
On that other note: Welcome to the blog. I hope you take some time to wander around and poke in the corners. It’s constantly evolving. Then again, aren’t we all. Anyway, welcome. Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. Keep growing my friend – g