Oh What a Night

Today is my birthday. A day when it's all about me!  Of course I share this day with the masses celebrating St. Patrick's Day. The more the merrier!  Fun all around.  I spent the day immersed in the simple joys of life.

As I look back on the year, I am very grateful. It has been a wonderful time with many blessings. I have worked on myself, expanded my horizons and I have discovered that I genuinely like who I am today. There were some incredible highs and some exceptional lows, but with each experience came growth.  I am strong and happy today.

 Birthday Cake Courtesy of Kendall and Nick

One of the best things about this year was that I started this blog. Writing is part of my soul. Twenty years ago I put my writing on hold when I moved from Maryland to Indiana and got married. Next came children, and before I knew it I found myself a stay-at-home mom. I put my career and my dreams on a back burner to be Mommy. The more time that passed, the more complacent I became. I have no regret, don't get me wrong.  I am proud of my two teenaged children and my time spent raising them to young adulthood has been priceless.

I made the decision this year that I was no longer content with status quo. It was time to take back my own identity. The last five years of my life have been akin to starting over. I was given a second chance at life. I have gradually made life changes. And today I find myself wanting more. Needing more. Determined to do more.

Change came slowly, and as I've told you I'm not the most patient of girls. But I am learning. Gradual change has proven to be the most valuable. Good things come to those who wait, after all.

Expressing myself in the written word has given new depth to my life. Through this I've learned that it's never too late. I don't have to settle with what I've always done, I can start something new.  By letting go and taking risks I have gained insight through new adventures. I am being honest and I'm putting myself out there. I'm learning to step outside of my comfort zone. By having the courage to do so, I am freeing myself from the shackles in which fear has kept me bound. And it feels pretty damn great.

Today was a very special day. I was overwhelmed by the many well-wishes bestowed upon me. It's the love of friends and family that mean the most to me.  My kids made me cards and a birthday cake complete with SweetTarts Jellybeans.  I let myself indulge a little bit.  My day started with morning meditation and a kick-ass workout at The Cycle Studio surrounded by friends, then brunch with my family and an afternoon shopping with my daughter. And now I'm writing. Heaven.

So cheers to a new year. Bring it on. I am so glad you will be sharing it with me.