Here we are again. Celebrating another year, celebrating my birthday! Getting older, going grey, remembering my mortality. Realising time goes by in a flash and pondering where it all went.
Surely it doesn’t have to be so maudlin! It’s a celebration after all. I’m celebrating being alive, being happy and on the whole healthy. Perhaps this shouldn’t be called a birthday! Perhaps it’s the day we choose to have a celebration of life. An annual celebrating life day!
Maybe we could forgo the numerical aspect of it entirely. Do we really need to count up to the day we part this world. Wouldn’t it be nice to say, “It’s her celebration of life day today. Let’s celebrate with her.”
Now think once you put this day of your birth in the context of a celebration of life then surely every day is worth celebrating because there are no dates of the year where at least several thousand if not millions of humans are celebrating life.
I’m not advocating removing the idea of a birthday; perhaps just modifying the concept. It’s nice to have an annual reminder of the start of life’s journey and the opportunity to stop and contemplate.
Surely though in this life of constant noise and motion having time for ourselves should not be restrained to special occasions. Shouldn’t we acknowledge everyday the beauty of the world around us.
As I’ve moved through my forties I have felt blessed by the life I have had so far. I have accepted I will not be here at least not in this form forever. I am learning and it does take constant practice, to cherish and recognise the moment. Knowing this has given me great peace.
I accept that I am responsible for all the decisions I have made and have yet to make and the consequences of those decisions. Knowing that my body will not survive for ever holds little fear for me as long as I remain in the moment and celebrate the present.
So yes today I am celebrating my birthday and with it my life, the life of my family and friends and the life of every living thing on this glorious planet that we call home. I feel gratitude for each day and feel wonder at the universe that surrounds us.
Thank you for celebrating life with me today and I look forward to celebrating life with you tomorrow.
Namaste
