Happy Birthday to.....

In light of my birthday, I was inspired to write a birthday blog. Turning 45 just got me thinking. Mostly it got me thinking about how 50 is around the corner and I am not sure how I got here, but also, how happy I am to be here.

I grew up in a household where you Did Not speak about age. Why is age so taboo as you get older? Shouldn't we be celebrating age? It's so funny how differently most people feel about birthdays as they get older. I would say well into our thirties we are excited about our birthday and the milestones. Don't get me wrong, in our thirties we also celebrate when the bartender asks for our ID. Yet, as a child we celebrated the "double digits", becoming a teen, a sweet sixteen, being old enough to vote, and "legally" being able to drink. When we are younger we not only celebrate our age with pride but almost can't wait to get older. When we are younger we want to look older, and when we are older we pay top dollar to look younger!!!! Wouldn't it be great to think about birthdays like we did when we were kids?

I had an ephinany this year about birthdays. Birthdays are not about age, but about life. They are not just about celebrating your own life, but about celebrating the lives around you. It's about celebrating memories from the past year and celebrating the lives of people who are no longer with us. By embracing our birthdays we keep ALL memories alive and make room for new ones.

Aging is a gift of life. The day you stop aging is the day you stop breathing. Don't wish not to age, wish to keep aging. Yes, aging comes with change. Some very unwanted change. By 40 I felt a shift in my body, my hair (greys), my skin ( wrinkles), my sleep and even my health. Trust me, I've had a lot of shifts since 40. However, I also felt a shift emotionally. I no longer was expecting to be asked for my ID at a liquor store or club. I began to acknowledge and accept myself in a much more positive manner. I realized that I am better now than when I was 25. Age gives us perspective, experience, and age allows us to evolve emotionally. Aging gracefully not only applies to your physical appearance, but to your emotional health as well.

How do you age gracefully? Surround yourself by people who love you and pull you up, not down. Accept love, compliments and help when it is offered. Embrace your "new look", you don't need to look 25 when you are 45. Keep dancing, laughing, eating, traveling, working, and loving. As you age you don't have to limit what you do, only maybe how you do it. Finally, allow yourself to celebrate life. It truly is a GIFT!!!

Happy Birthday!!!! Best wishes today and always!!!!