Birthday Reflection

Happy birthday to me! 

Yesterday was my birthday and while I didn’t go over the top to celebrate, it was a really good day! I spent it with my wife and a friend, and it was nice to do new things again.

Birthdays are a great time for reflection, while we should be reflecting daily or at least weekly, definitely on or around your birthday. How has your journey been thus far? What were some of the biggest challenges and if you overcame them how? This year there were some financial challenges, and I feel like over the summer I lost myself a little bit. I was also cut out of people’s lives that I thought cared about me, but as I continue to learn, some people will only get close to you to use you. I also neglected my writing, but took the time to jump back into art, mostly abstract. I did realize that I needed to practice what I preached, and take care of my mind, body and soul so I got back into walking more letting people know that I am grateful for them/appreciate them, doing mindfulness/gratitude exercises, and re-learning to love myself. A big problem I created for myself is that I try to help people at the cost of my own needs (which I consistently tell folks not to do). I think working in child care made me more protective of people I care about, and guided me to a path of wanting to become support for others. As someone who was bullied, went through various traumas, and had a hard time opening up to people I wanted to be there for others. That became a problem because I would slowly distance myself from my needs and had a few breakdowns because of it. 

Through various YouTube videos, podcasts, and with the support of those closest to me I found the tools to help myself so I don’t lose myself. Between my blog, my meditations, love from community, and some spiritual tools I am re-discovering myself. There is a quote from one of my heroes Robin Williams, from Mork and Mindy (I think) that I heard recently that resonates with my life and what I feel is my purpose, “I don’t know how much value I have in this universe, but I do know I made a few people happier than they would’ve been without me and, as long as I know that, I’m as rich as I ever need to be.” 

Times of celebration are times to be reminded of who is important to you, whose life you may have touched and to remember, you are loved. This can also happen during times of mourning. So continue to be kind to yourself and others, find a way to safely express your feelings, find someone you can really talk to, keep an open mind on life’s journey, create and appreciate art, make beautiful happy memories, and keep the door to your life open, at least 3 inches. 

Later days 

~ Owl