I ended the month of March by celebrating my mom’s birthday with beautiful memories and celebrating my 72nd birthday. All birthdays are special, and I love celebrating them. This year wasn’t a milestone, but I guess when you reach a certain age, every birthday is a milestone.
Last year, I was the first one in our family to celebrate my birthday via Zoom as lockdown had just begun. We had to celebrate on Zoom again this past week as we’re still in the throes of this pandemic. It’s been a long and difficult year with so much change and growth.
As I begin my new year, I want to share with you some reflections on what I’ve learned over these last twelve months.
I’ve been remembering what my mom taught me: to always look for the best in others; to forgive and not hold a grudge; to share with others and be willing to help. Life can and will be very hard at times, but we can adjust and adapt. My mom had a huge heart, and she gave so much from it.
Life is unpredictable. There will always be challenges, but it’s our attitude towards these changes and challenges, and what we learn from them that make all the difference. I’ve learned that no matter what’s going on around me, God is always with me. He will direct my steps and take care of my family and me. If I look closely enough, I can see His blessings in the midst of chaos.
This year has taught me that what I thought was important or valuable in the past just isn’t so much anymore. What’s most valuable are the relationships that I build. That the way I love myself teaches others how to treat and love me. That loving my family, my neighbors and even strangers speaks volumes to others. That showing kindness and being there when someone is hurting or needs to talk can make all the difference. There isn’t a price to put on these things, but the blessings of helping and giving to others far outweigh everything.
Are there things I wished I’d done this year, but didn’t, or vice versa? Absolutely. I gained weight and didn’t move enough. But I’m grateful that I have my health in a year in which so many lost theirs. Improving upon my health is my big goal for this upcoming year. I’ve started working on it by taking sugar out of my diet. (Yes, I can celebrate without a birthday cake!)
We’ve made so many adjustments this year with the pandemic. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m pleased with and grateful for my growth and the lessons learned. It’s been fun exploring new options and learning new ways of doing things—taking online classes, hiring a coach, completing my coaching certification remotely. And there’s still so much more for me to learn!
Now I am re-evaluating what I want my “new normal” to look like. So far, I’ve enjoyed the slower pace of pandemic life and don’t want to return to the rat race. How will I re-enter the world as it starts to reopen? is the question I’m pondering now. I know that God will continue to guide and help me and give me the wisdom that I need. I’m looking to Him for my strength, provision, purpose, joy and happiness.
I’ve always loved that my birthday is in the Spring—a time of transformation and rebirth, a time to reflect and look forward. If I want to grow, change or stay the same, it’s up to me. The opportunities are there, I just have to be willing to be willing.
Thank you for letting me share.
Believe in yourself
Incredible joy
Reflect on the lessons of life
Take time to live life
Have faith
Delight in God’s blessings
Always keep growing
Youthful at any age
Happy Belated Birthday, Marie. I truly enjoy your blogs. They are inspiring and a blessing. You are gifted in your ability to share your words with us. Aunt Nova was incredibly kind to me during the worst time of my life. I will never forget her call to me and her letter.
Thank you for the kind words and birthday wishes. It’s exciting to be 72 and still learning. Everything is a stretch out of my comfort zone. Yes, my mom understood pain and hurt. She was so willing to listen and share.
I admire you looking at life in such a positive way. You are an inspiration in my life.
Thank you Marie.
Thank you Luisa. I appreciate your kind words.
Beautiful reminder to all
Of us Marie. Thanks for sharing this is encouraging in that we not
Alone in this journey call life and
I appreciate you sharing your experiences
And thoughts.
Love,Peace &
Joy
Thank you Cassandra for your encouraging words. We are never alone on the journey of life.
Beautiful. I read it twice.
Being grateful and knowing that God is always with me.
Thank you for reading my blog. Yes, God is always there for us.
Thank you. God is always there for us.
Happy birthday. Got me thinking again. How am I going to adjust to the new normal. Grateful for all you do and share Marie.
Thank you. I love the women that God has brought into my life. I love sharing with you.
Happy Belated Birthday, but what a year of growth next milestones this year has been for for ! Keep growing and sharing your beautiful blessings with others! Here’s to another incredible year💜
Thank you. It has been a beautiful year of stretching and growing.
Beautifully writen💙
Thank you
Happy Happy bday always, Marie..
Ode to Marie…Marvelously articulating real innovative experiences.. 🙂
Appreciate learning, sharing together
Thank you
That was beautifully said Marie. You have wonderful insight and are able to express it so well. It really blessed me and encouraged me. Thank you! Blessings! 🤗
Thank you for the kind words and encouragement.