+1

I love to celebrate birthdays...other people's birthdays. I've always had trouble with my own.

There are a lot of expectations wrapped up in birthdays. They feel like artificial markers demanding us to feel happy because we're supposed to. I usually end up reflecting on the previous year and feel the need to measure where I am.

This year I was headed down that same path until I received a really touching email from a dear friend.  Her words made me put down my mental yardstick and instead think this:

Days slip by until they melt into months. Birthdays are opportunities to stop, really stop, and recognize all the progress I've made.  And there's a lot. I've made big changes in my life and with myself. I know there's so much more and the fact that I'm not there yet isn't something to be critical of. I know I have the capacity to change and make things happen....and they will happen. 

Happy birthday, me. Keep on, keeping on.