Friday the 13th, Getting Older and Feeling Lucky!

Friday the 13th is coming, and apparently, I should be more worried than most because I'm getting older!

 

But no need to worry. I'm actually celebrating my good fortune to have another birthday! And you're invited to the party!

 

Yep, my birthday is Friday the 13th, and I'm officially that where are my glasses, what's that spot on my body, was that wrinkle there yesterday, how come my kids are older than I think I am, makes noises when getting up kind of older.

 

As they say, whoever "they" are, the days may be long, but the years go fast.

 

And so it is that I find myself wandering around, able to remember things that happened 50 years ago but unable to remember where I put my...what was I looking for again? WTH!!

 

Still, I'm celebrating with full gusto on November 13th, which happily coincides with World Kindness Day. How perfect is that?

 

I'm celebrating allllll the blessings in my life. Large and small. Obvious and subtle. Recurring and one-timers.

 

I'm celebrating my past, which brought me to this point (yes, even the hard, yucky stuff), my beautiful present, and the future ahead, which will undoubtedly continue to be a roller coaster. Hopefully, one with more laughter than screaming!

 

And while all those intangibles are wonderful and good, I also want some tangibles.

 

Tan. Gi. Bles.

 

Yes, actual birthday treats!

 

And rather than hoping someone reads my mind, I've decided to take matters into my own hands.

 

Here's what's on the birthday agenda:

1. Dinner and a show! I'm heading to Le Petit Chef with three wonderful girlfriends on Friday night.
2. Family festivities! I've told The Hub he's in charge of planning Saturday's birthday celebration with the kids. And they are!
3. THE CAKE! I've ordered my very own Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake. It's a little pricey, and I haven't had one in about five years. I'd say it's time!
4. A special gift to myself. I've set aside some money from my Mom and Aunt, who have both passed away, to buy something meaningful. A little gift from them, through me, to me.
5. Birthday breakfast! The Hub is making Chocolate French Toast with Nutella, bananas and strawberries. Yes, yes, I have a sweet tooth. I haven't had this deliciousness in years either!
6. Zoom Party - I have some friends going through a hard time, and I asked them what one little thing I could do for them and they replied..."We have discussed this proposition, and we have concluded that we would be happy for you to do something joyous and adventurous and perhaps something risky, because when you do something joyous for yourself, your joyous energy spreads worldwide. We only ask that you report back to us. ".  This Zoom Party feels joyous and risky to me - what if no one comes??

And perhaps the biggest birthday gift of all?

 

I've given myself permission.

 

Permission to treat myself.

Permission to ask for what I would like.

Permission to enjoy something special without feeling selfish.

And permission to stop expecting other people to magically know what I need, then feeling disappointed when they don't.

 

Why, why, why?

 

Because I've spent a lot of my life looking after others.

Because I want to set an example that says it's okay to treat yourself like someone special, too.

Because joy doesn't have to be earned, justified or saved for a rainy day.

And because I might not be here to celebrate next year. I sure hope to be, but I'm mortal (and clumsy!), so who knows?

 

Being alive is worth celebrating. And so are you.

 

So consider this your official permission slip to celebrate your entire birth month in 2027. Yes, alllll month long!

 

And if you're closer to your half-birthday (or just looking for another excuse to celebrate), I've got an idea for that, too!

 

Now, I don't need you to acknowledge my birthday, but if you'd like to give me a gift, here's one I'd absolutely love.

 

Do something kind for someone on World Kindness Day.

 

Something little. Something unexpected. Something that makes another human feel seen, appreciated or cared for.

 

And if you feel like telling me what you did, I'd be delighted to hear about it. What a wonderful collection of birthday gifts that would be!

You're invited to my birthday party!

I'm throwing a short, playful, virtual birthday break, and you're invited!

Friday, November 13 at 12:30 PM Pacific

 

Click here to join the party on Zoom!

 

No gifts. No fuss. Just a little fun, connection and celebration in the middle of your day (and maybe a dance!).

 

May joy, health and kindness be with you and me.  We all deserve that.

Ever grateful (and getting older by the minute!), Steph. : )