Living Your Best Life at Any Age!

As I reflected on what thoughts I wanted to post to acknowledge my birthday month I again searched through my files for some words of wisdom. I tend to keep articles that resonate with me, knowing someday I will need to read those words again for inspiration and strength. I wanted to write this month's blog as I contemplated my life, and I felt really good by the gratitude that emerged. And, thankfully, by the little rewards that come with age. This particular birthday of mine has incited some deep reflection. Life might not be exactly as I'd predicted, but at the same time, it's really good. 

One of the things I love about getting older is I say what I think and feel, speaking my mind with much more ease than ever before. This is so freeing! I just don't care as much about what people think of me. What matters is what I think of me and the way in which I conduct my life, treat myself, and treat others I care about. What I notice about this attitude is that it works like a magnet. It attracts the type of people I wish to interact with and be close to and keeps away a lot of negative experiences that can be so draining. 

Below is an excerpt from a article by Claire Hudson Canton from the bella Grace magazine Autumn  2015 I picked that just spoke to me this year. I hope it does to you too.

Why I Love Getting Older:

"You learn that listening is one of the greatest gifts you can give. And sitting with someone who is hurting is a balm for the soul.

You learn who your real friends are. They're the ones who walk through life with you, give you freedom to talk, are always there to listen and then throw you a party when you reach the other side. 

You learn how incredibly blessed you are.

You learn to not only count your blessings, but to outright wallow in them.

You learn that perfectionism and control are painfully overrated.

You learn that friends can stick as close as family, and sometimes even closer. And that's OK.

You learn that everyone messes up. Some more than others. And that "real" people - the ones who have faced life in the trenches - are much more genuine, forgiving and refreshing. Bravo to these survivors and role models. You learn that you want to become more like them.

You learn that failure is one of the very best teachers, a truth only seen in the rear view mirror. Don't be afraid of it; let it do its good work in you.

You learn that the more you learn, the less you know. Or, at least you realize how much more you have to learn.

You learn not to kick others when they're down. Only because you remember being there yourself and you could return at any time.

You learn to hang on to the good memories and let the rest go. 

You learn that - at the end of the day - diplomas, status, and zip codes don't mean a thing. At the end, you'll be remembered not for your professional accomplishments, but for the way you made people feel.

When I reach the top, I'll take one last look back to appreciate the birthdays that got me this far.

Over the Hill might not be so bad. 

In fact, I think I'll make it my best year yet!"

Happy birthday to me and I'm happy to celebrate it!

I'd love to hear your comments of wisdom below that you celebrate each birthday:)

Many Blessings,

Marcia