Birthday reflections
I have a bad track record when it comes to my birthdays. I mean, I've had some great ones, but most of them are rollercoaster rides of ups and downs. I think this is partly because I place too much weight on having a "special day," looking at it as my one yearly opportunity to do something that I really want to do. Then, inevitably, something goes wrong. And what are the odds that one day, one whole day, is going to go perfectly, just because you've planned it that way? The odds are overwhelmingly against it.
However, this year I have had a little epiphany and I am approaching it differently: when each day is pretty good, filled with things like desert hikes and successful dinners, then the birthday is just another day of opportunity. Another day out of many to try to live life to the fullest. I feel serene this year. I know that I will not get to do everything that I might want to do on this day, or even this week or this year. But each of the upcoming 365 days is another new chance to do one or more of those things. It doesn't all have to happen today.
So this year I have intentionally left this day free of plans. About two hours ago, Jenn decided that she is baking me a cake. We will all have dinner together, and maybe watch a movie before I leave for work. Or maybe I'll take a nap, since I'm awake a little earlier than I intended to be. Tomorrow I will be having lunch with my mom and going to get a massage. I have the night off on Friday, so I will be able to go with Jimmy to band practice, and that will be fun.
It's not about one day. It's about living a good life, and enjoying it as it happens.
However, this year I have had a little epiphany and I am approaching it differently: when each day is pretty good, filled with things like desert hikes and successful dinners, then the birthday is just another day of opportunity. Another day out of many to try to live life to the fullest. I feel serene this year. I know that I will not get to do everything that I might want to do on this day, or even this week or this year. But each of the upcoming 365 days is another new chance to do one or more of those things. It doesn't all have to happen today.
So this year I have intentionally left this day free of plans. About two hours ago, Jenn decided that she is baking me a cake. We will all have dinner together, and maybe watch a movie before I leave for work. Or maybe I'll take a nap, since I'm awake a little earlier than I intended to be. Tomorrow I will be having lunch with my mom and going to get a massage. I have the night off on Friday, so I will be able to go with Jimmy to band practice, and that will be fun.
It's not about one day. It's about living a good life, and enjoying it as it happens.