Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Another Year Older....


Today is my birthday! I turn 41 years old. Yesterday I spent the day with my Mom and Dad. My Mom always makes me my favorite cake; gingerbread with warm applesauce. It is such a lovely treat. I ate so much of it that I went to bed with a tummy ache, just like a proper birthday girl should:)

I know that most people look at New Years as the time for introspection, but for me this happens each year around my birthday. I begin to evaluate and take stock. As I first started to get older and approach "middle age" (YIKES!! Did I just say that!), I would lament the passage of time. I took the attitude of Dorthy, locked in the Wicked Witch's tower, watching the hourglass sand run out. As I searched the crystal ball for assistance, I would declare, "I'm frightened Auntie Em, I'm frightened!" But I have come to realize that you really can't place much stock in a round smoke filled piece of glass, no matter how lovely it is.
Birthdays are an occasion to celebrate who we are, not what the passage of time has done to us, but rather the journey itself. To look and declare not fear but strength and assurance, to know that each day is an opportunity for growth and experimentation. That through each reflective thought comes valuable knowledge.
For me it marks a time for both self acceptance and challenge...this is who I am now, what do I want to be tomorrow? I am a huge proponent of personal growth. There can be nothing more depressing to me than stagnation, the same old same old.
So, I make my lists. The first list is: Things I have accomplished along the way, things I am so grateful for..... From this list I draw assurance and a sense of thankfulness.
The second list consists of the tasks I still want to accomplish, the direction I want to travel in..... From this list I gain resolve, hope and a sense of excitement.
OK, OK, I know this is probably way to deep for your morning cuppa. You just wanted to pop in and say "Hello" not start the long process of self-examination:)
But I feel it is so important to take the time to look around at who we are, to give ourselves credit for the persons we have become and to admit, if only to ourselves, that there is more that we could do, more that we want to do. Layers of ourselves that we still want to explore and develop.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.
Robert Frost

19 comments:

Nunnie's Attic said...

“Life is not a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in a pretty well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming ... WOW! What a ride!”

Love,
Julie

Mary said...

Happy Birthday! A beautiful post! BTW, I love gingerbread, and Robert Frost, too! :)
xoxo,
Mary

BittersweetPunkin said...

Happy Birthday Rhonda!!!!!! I hope you have a GREAT DAY!!
Love and Birthday Blessings,
Robin

Jen said...

Happy Happy Birthday!
I hope that you have a wonderful day :) I have enjoyed wondering around on your blog!
Come visit me sometime! Jen
http://jenscountryhome.blogspot.com/

Sondra said...

Wow! That really is a wonderfully positive way to approach your birthday. You don't put yourself through it all over again for New Years, do you?!

Peggy said...

Happy Birthday!

Peggy said...

Happy Birthday!

Dena said...

Happy Birthday Rhonda! I hope you have a wonderful day today. I've so enjoyed this post, such wisdom in these words :)

Hugs,
Dena

Back Through Time said...

Happy Birthday!!! Love your post as always!!:-)
Michelle

Nunnie's Attic said...

Rhonda,
Forgive me - it just dawned on me that I never said Happy Birthday! What a clod. Sorry!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DARLING!

Love,
Julie

Michelle E. ~ Vintage Pastiche' said...

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

I usually sing 50 cent's Go Shorty song but since I wasn't sure if you'd really like it I decided just to say

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! :)

*muah*
Michelle

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Happiest of Birthdays to you!

That gingerbread cake sounds divine!

xo,
Melissa

Linda said...

Rhonda, Happy Birthday to you!

We only live once--but if we work it right, once is enough. Joe E Lewis

Love your music. Linda

Meggie said...

Happy Birthday, Rhonda! Hope you had a great day. The post was inspiring...I heartily agree with all of it. We need to be constantly assessing who we are and where we are going....

julia said...

Happy Birthday Rhonda!

Your outlook is so refreshing! Keep on harvesting positive thoughts... and sharing them too!

Birthday Cheers!
Julia

Sophie Honeysuckle said...

Happy, Happy Birthday!! I hope you had a marvellous day!! I really enjoyed this post-you gave us lots to think about! And the gingerbread cake sounds divine! xx

ShabbyInTheCity said...

41 years old!!!! Happy Birthday little one :)
Okay you aren't THAT young but you sure are wise :)
You are very fortunate to have both parents and I'm jealous! Anyway I hope you had a nice day and got spoiled.

Flea Market Queen said...

OMG...How did I miss this yesterday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY my friend..
Priscilla

Michelle said...

Happy Birthday!