Birthday Reflections

My bday has come and gone and I have been of course continuing my year of heavy reflection and this is what I wrote right as my bday rang in..

"I dont think I have ever taken a proper moment to reflect on my birthday. Usually I spend my time leading up to the day thinking about plans and imagining what I'll wear. This year was different. I had the opportunity to take some moments and reflect on the many challenges and triumphs this year, in particular, has brought me. As I filled my facebook status updates with sentiments of love, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for the people who are in my life and who encourage, love, reprimand and make me laugh until my side hurts. I LOVE people. I LOVE you all. I appreciate all the positive energy that the presence of so many individuals bring to my otherwise dull life. My birthday is a celebration of you. Without you this day is meaningless. Cheers to friends, love and memories."

That's exactly how I feel as I close out this year- mindful of the many challenges I survived and grateful for the many lessons I learned. Through the challenges I have come to realize the true value of a friend and fortunately my birthday party this year was able to prove that fact 30X over. God is great and friends make life better. Much love.