Today (January 29th) is my birthday. It is a day that has changed over the years. As a kid, my birthday was met with great anticipation. Not only was the day itself a lot of fun, but so was the idea that I was getting older, as with each passing year, more and more of the world seemed to open up to me.
When my kids were young, my birthday was also a day greeted with great fun and fanfare. I looked forward to homemade cards and being treated to dinner at my favourite restaurant (which was usually not my favourite restaurant but one I knew the kids would like). We spent a lot of birthdays at Moose Winnoskis and Montana’s.
Now, birthdays take on a more reflective tone. With more of my life in the rearview mirror than in the windscreen, birthdays tend to take me traipsing down memory lane. This year, as I turn 56, I am feeling very grateful for my life. I have done, seen and experienced some wonderful things. I have a job that I love and good people around me. I have also learned a thing or two about life. So, for fun, here is a list of some of my takeaways from life so far:
- Never buy a cheap BBQ, it will frustrate you!!
- Happiness is a by-product of a life lived with purpose and passion.
- The Leafs will break your heart, over and over and over and over again. But don’t give up on them, because one year they won’t!
- McDonalds makes really good coffee.
- If you wait for life to come to you, it will never give you its best.
- Some of the greatest people in your life are just passing through. And that’s okay. Enjoy them while they’re there.
- Always have a backup mouse for your computer.
- Going to the movies alone is an okay thing to do. You don’t talk to people during a movie anyway.
- Small things count. Every time.
- Novelty socks are cooler than novelty ties.
- Life doesn’t owe you anything. As soon as you think it does, you have opened the door to a lot of regret.
- Some of the greatest people in your life are permanent fixtures and will always be there for you. Cherish those people.
- Smile! It makes you feel better!!
- When people say they don’t believe in God, they often do believe in God, they just don’t know that there are options.
- Your phone has dozens of different ringtones and text tones. Don’t settle for the default ones.
- The world is beautiful. Like, BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!
- Your kids are your greatest achievement. Love them with your entire being.
- You don’t need to carry so many keys.
- A good church is good for the soul. Even if you don’t agree with everything the preacher says, sitting still for an hour a week, surrounded by good people, is one of life’s true blessings.
- You don’t know what is around the corner, that’s why it’s a corner. Just be ready. And remember, you are stronger than you think!
I have enjoyed writing this weekly blog but am going to take a few weeks off. It’s time to rest the brain for a bit. I will pick it up again soon, perhaps during Lent. Thanks for reading!!
