Every year when my birthday rolls around (it's this Thursday), I do some soul-searching. Am I happy? What improvements can I make?
A decade ago I was weighed down by anxiety about growing old. In the waning years of my forties, I worried that my youth was disappearing. What I didn't realize at the time was that, around the corner, one of the best phases of my life was about to begin. I was on the verge of a re-birth.
Lethargy in my tired life as a middle-aged man was suddenly replaced by unexpected vigor and excitement. This stemmed from a choice to actively engage and develop my dormant female instincts. Getting in touch with and nurturing my feminine soul has profoundly increased my joy in life. Now, I dive into new experiences. I embrace friends with warmth and love. I see things that were invisible to me before.
I wrote a while ago about how I grow in spurts. The past few years have been a period of fevered activity. I look at the blogging I did in 2011-2014 and I'm amazed at its high-pitched intensity. I was a 16 year old girl eager to become a 24 year old woman.
I'm more advanced now which opens doors as I see new opportunities for growth. Unlike a decade ago, I don't fear my life growing stale, I worry only about not having enough time to continue my journey. I'm on the road and moving in the right direction. I want to keep going.
How 'bout you? Are you happy with where your life is heading?
First of all, happy birthday! Yes, I know, it's a bit early, but on Thursday I'll be up to my neck in work projects and I'll be lucky to remember my name...
ReplyDeleteI admire your positive outlook and energy to set out on this new journey. Aging should be empowering when you're middle-aged: you've learned from experience and you know which activities are worth pursuing and which are not. And you still have enough time for all the fun stuff, but no more time to waste on lost causes or things/people that cause you pain and misery.
Exactly! You're so smart, Tiina. :-)
DeleteHappy almost Birthday!! I am a big fan of birthdays. I like the idea of having annual check ins with myself, that's a good idea. I loved reading through this and feeling your positive energy!
ReplyDeleteMary
www.marymurnane.com
Thank you, Mary! Your support means a lot to me.
DeleteOh no! My card is going to be late. Just sayin'. I should have remembered it is right around Halloween.
ReplyDeleteI had a big birthday this year and in the end it was just another day in my life. No trip to Africa, no amazing party. It just didn't work out that way. That's life sometimes.
I've never been one to make goals or look back. I've always lived more in the moment, which can be a good or not-so-great thing. Putting one foot in front of the other is where I've sat most of my life. It is easier to get by in life, but it is also possible I don't push myself enough.
Miss you lady!
And a happy early birthday : )
bisous
Suzanne
Thank you! I can wait for the card.
DeleteSuzanne said it so well, can I agree with her? Putting one foot in front of the other, that's me too. Although I have consciencely taken charge of my life a couple of times. Focus on my goal took me to my destinations at those times. So (even though late) Happy Birthday Ally and I hope you will have many happy years to come.
DeleteHappy birthday! I like that you take time to reflect. Your story shows that it is never too late to pursue happiness. Stay on that path!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, we never arrive at our ultimate destination so there's always road ahead of us. I'm eager to go further down the path.
DeleteI hope tomorrow is the start of a magical year for you as you celebrate your special day!!!!
ReplyDeleteIf we were always on track we would miss a lot of excitement in life. Thank you for sharing your exciting journey with us in blogland.
I am in a good place in my life right now and have challenged myself to not allow the stress of life to overwhelm me like I did for the past number of years. None of that stress is age related as I really believe "age is just a number" and it is what you are doing and with whom that counts more than the number attached to the life you have lived.
There is an envelope in the mail winging its way to you sweet Ally ... Was a bit late getting to the post office but have kicked myself into touch (one thing at a time) and getting everything up to date and ready for Christmas (done a lot of my gifts so far)and working on getting all the admin stuff ready for 2017 (already put all the birthdays in my 2017 diary, 2017 desk pad on my desk, contract/register done for my domestic worker, bought my bills files (just need to put the labels on them - gonna do that right after I finish typing this book!!!), got our taxes done last night (we were a bit late with that but another tick on the old to do list) ... so I am slowly starting to feel like the organized person I generally am.
I'm happy to hear you're doing well, my friend.
DeleteHappy birthday a day in advance ;)
ReplyDeleteIt brings me joy to hear and see happy people even more if its someone I know and appreciate like you. Hugs.
Thanks, Sweetie!
DeleteHappy birthday! Agreed on the belated birthday card. I drove past the post office twice and forgot to drop it in the box! D'oh!
ReplyDeleteI'm happier with where things are going for me. It could still be better, but at least I'm seeing real results.
I'm so relieved to hear you're doing well. Let's hope things improve even more for you.
DeleteI am so very happy to read this. This is again, as it is meant to be, trying on new selves and continuing to grow.
ReplyDeleteThere is something very special about the female traits.
I just read a book and was thinking about you, On the Move by Oliver Sachs, I think. Check it out, it was a wonderful read!
Happy Birthday!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
Thanks for the nice words and recommendation. I've read a lot of Sachs but not this one.
DeleteHappy birthday dear friend ! I think as we grow older we gain more confidence in what we are and many of us realize that life is too short not to follow what your heart and soul look for...I am glad you have been happier now and that you keep building your own self and learning new things about your path to happiness, I am trying to do exactly the same, as a woman I have other issues and I am working on them day by day. A big kiss and many, many wishes
ReplyDeleteFashion and Cookies - fashion and beauty blog
Thank you so much, my dear friend. We all have issues. Let me say that you look fabulously fashionable as you struggle with yours. :-)
DeleteFirst of all Happy Birthday! Second of all your style, your feminine part is still growing which means you're not really getting older. I'm happy you're confident now and happy.
ReplyDeleteShine!
Thanks, buddy. I agree with you about the not-getting-older. I feel like I re-set the clock to a younger age and am now going through life a second time.
DeleteI love this. And I'm also so happy to see you fully embrace this new-to-you side of yourself :) It's wonderful to see. Truly. Also happiest of birthdays, my dear friend! I consider myself so very lucky to have you in my life. Hope you treat yourself to something very special this year!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Thank you, Charlotte. I cherish our friendship.
DeleteOh, that title is good. And I'm happy exploring your feminine side has made you a happier person! Good that we live in an age where you can life it out freely without worrying.
ReplyDelete-Kati