Birthdays have evolved in our family. What used to be a day of celebration has turned into a weekend, maybe two, or even an entire week. One day to celebrate a person just isn’t enough.
My birthday weekend went thusly:
Paul and the girls made my breakfast favorites.
Paul organized the dinner at PF Changs so I could have noodles.
Kier made a funny video card that had me whizzing through the galaxy like a boss with coffee in hand (of course).
Madi organized two different movie nights with movies she knew I’d love.
Cali made me deviled eggs.
Derek bought me coffee.
Kier installed my bd gift of Final Cut Pro, which makes me squeal with delight.
T’was a superb celebration. Each person made an effort to make me feel appreciated and cherished. Happy sigh. It’s also time for my annual reflection, a look at life, and if trajectory adjustments are needed.
Looking back
This year I crossed off the largest thing on my list, that has been there since my 20s, the extended world trip. 32 countries, 402 days. So that happened, oh my freaking goodness. My only regret was that we didn’t plan it a little sooner so that Kier could have been with us for the entire trip. But at this stage in her life, she couldn’t step away for that long. She did get spend both summers and Christmas with us.
Time as Frenemy
Ever since I turned 50 I’ve had a new awareness of time. I am more deliberate about how I spend it, my key relationships, where we want to travel next, doing more of what I like and less of what I don’t. For two years now I’ve felt a sense of urgency I haven’t before, and I hope it won’t fade. I only have this life, and I want to max it out.
Main Thang
The focus in my relationships with my parents and my kids keeps evolving for the better. I continue to be less entrenched in my own opinions or needing to argue my point of view. I let them be who they are and resist the urge to constantly influence them. It’s a different reality when one detaches ones ego from key relationships. I have to say, I’m feeling more mellow and peaceful toward everyone.
Looking Ahead
On my 60th birthday I want to be standing in my 100th visited country. I want to keep doing all the creative endeavors that make me giddy, and I want to keep getting better with how I love others. Peace out for another yea