A Very Merry Birthday

I have been on this earth for 32 years now. As my birthday ticked in at midnight earlier this morning, I was still at work engrossed in all of the election coverage. It wasn't until a couple of co-workers shouted "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" and sent over a chocolate glazed doughnut (my favorite!) that I even realized that it was indeed my birthday. I ate my doughnut with a big smile on my face; a smile that faded within 10 minutes as my mind drifted back to real life.

10 years ago, I would have been terrified at the thought of my birthday ever becoming simply "another day". But honestly, that's where I am now. Life comes at you hard, and the older and wiser you get, the more there is to sift through and endure. And here's the thing...I am one who has thrived on attention from others (positive or negative; I'll usually take what I can get). I've always been a "ME ME ME" sort of person. And don't get me wrong, I definitely still enjoy the phone calls and email greetings wishing me a happy day! But after having two children, I have become one who is less inclined to seek out recognition from others, and more focused on the livelihood of my family. My priorities changed overnight, it seems.

In addition to that, I know so many people who are going through tough times right now. As much as I try, it's really difficult to spend much time at all focusing on my own personal wants. There are numerous individuals who need prayer, support, and love and I'm really focused on doing what I can when I can. A good example is my co-worker who's 6-month old daughter Kaylie has just been diagnosed with SMA Type I. My heart aches for him and his wife. Please don't misinterpret what I'm saying. I do feel that people should celebrate life and bask in it's joy when they can find it. I just happen to be at a point now where my attention and focus has done a major shift from myself to others. With that being said, you'll see me making a MUCH bigger deal out of someone else's birthday than I do of my own. Who knows, I may feel differently when I turn 50; Chris and I will be empty-nesters by then. But for now things are what they are, and I am very content!

I may still treat myself to my favorite ice-cream today or something like that, but my major focus will be on tending to the various needs of my family. Yes, even on my birthday! :-)

Happy Birthday to me!