On Another Year

The only person you are destined to become is the one you decide to be.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today is my birthday. My 48th year is beginning on this earth. It seems like yesterday I was dreaming my dreams. An old dear friend sent me my high school graduation video and I saw my 17 year old self saying many things that have stayed with me as truths. I haven’t changed much, really, good or bad. I am not sure how I feel about that, except I’m proud of some of the things I have done, not so proud of others, and always grateful for what I have had, have, and may have. Over the past decades I have dreamed and tried many things; some dreams have come to fruition, some have been destroyed, some have never been realized, and I hope I may have more that I haven’t conceived. I have accomplished much more than I believed I could, and feel I have lived a full life in many ways. I have loving friends and family, the respect of colleagues, and freedom to continue to grow and explore. I have found my life’s mission and feel I have made strides to contribute to society, my community, my loved ones, and those who will come after me. I live my life as I believe according to the things I value. What more could I ask? Even while the pandemic rages, I am grateful for the resources and knowledge I have that allow me to support and protect those I care about. I do not know how many more moments I have on this earth, and this year I have made the pact to let go of those things that do not serve, the dead ends, the things and people that drain me emotionally and physically, so I can continue to optimize not only the longevity but the quality of my remaining time with the ones I love.

To those I love, you know who you are because I hope my actions show how much you have added to my life by your presence, your kindness, your support, your love, to my being fulfilled, to my becoming that which I aspire—my authentic self. Thank you on this day and everyday for adding meaning and being a part of my journey. I cherish you all.

A wonderful friend I met in the #WritingCommunity on Twitter sent me this poem he wrote. It’s beautiful and captures my love of the sea, and the healing powers it has had in my life. And, if as he says, I serve to show others that life can be navigated and lived fully, I am humbled and honored. Thank you Michael. You are a talented and dear soul I am forever grateful to have met.