It's (Almost) My Birthday! 🎂

Happy Birthday Week to me! Yes, it's that time of the year again – and I'm stepping into age 51. Last year's half-century mark was a fanfare of celebration, but 51, although quieter, feels just as significant. There's something special about embarking on another year, another journey around the sun. It's a time for reflection, laughter, and setting intentions for the year ahead.

Having a birthday right after the holiday season is like getting a double dose of "new beginnings." It's a chance to wipe the slate clean, not just with the new year but also personally. A new chapter in my life story begins now, and I'm ready to fill its pages with vibrant tales.

Growing older has its quirks. As a young adult, I remember thinking that by the time I reached my fifties, I'd be this all-knowing sage brimming with wisdom and serenity. Well, let's just say life had other plans. While I've definitely gained insight and experience, I'm still that same person who can't help but laugh at the silliest jokes. Age has not dulled my sense of humor, and why should it? Laughter keeps us young at heart, after all.

As I've aged, one of the most profound realizations is the immeasurable value of soulful, meaningful relationships. I am incredibly fortunate to have a circle of friends who are not just friends but life companions. They're the kind of intelligent, witty, and supportive people everyone should have in their lives. They're there in the shadows and the sunshine, filling my life with joy, laughter, and strength.

Then there's my journey as a mother. It's fascinating how this role evolves yet remains fundamentally unchanged. My children, growing into their own as unique, full-fledged individuals, still need me, and I need them. Our conversations have transformed over the years, becoming windows into their worlds – their thoughts, dreams, fears, and aspirations. These interactions are some of the most treasured moments of my life.

As I embark on this new milestone in my life, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a mind eager to learn and grow. I want to cherish these invaluable relationships even more, ensuring that my life maintains a balance between self-care and nurturing the bonds that make life so rich. This year, my focus is on living authentically, boldly, and, most importantly, out loud.

Love and light,

Shelley