Birthdays

Yesterday was my 45th birthday, and I am feeling a little blue today.
I had planned to spend the morning getting a couple things done, and then have some time to myself to hike, generally contemplate the mysteries of life and be grateful that I was here on this earth.
While these thoughts rolled around in my head, guess what? The day got away from me; I worked all day. Thankfully, I had a reason to quit and get ready as Doug took me out to a delicious dinner at The Fort in Morrison (highly recommended).
I don't recall on past birthdays that I have felt this need to connect with myself, and if I have done so. I don't know whether it's the age, whether it's the life I am living now, whether it's the fact that I am in the mode of reading spiritual stuff (that comes and goes every few months and then I need to go back to Harry Potter or Steven King), or maybe it's a combination of everything.
Regardless, I am taking my day back! I am heading off to an appointment now, and then I will not even turn on the computer. I am heading to the adjacent hills to revel in the beauty of my surroundings, bless my parents for having made me, and thank the Universe for helping me to be, at 45 ripe years old, where I am today.
Next year, I am keeping my calendar wide open, and maybe planning a trip so I am not tempted to work. As a friend once said to me, "The work will be sitting on your desk tomorrow, too."
I feel happier just having the plan!! Thanks for letting me share with you!

Gratitude

Doug (mostly) and I wrote what I think was one of our best publisher's letters for the November issue. It is about being grateful, especially around this beautiful time of year, and getting into the spirit of Thanksgiving.
I drove home from a satisfying, busy day today and casually looked at the golden leaves mixed with the quickly fading green, the gliding white clouds, bright blue sky behind them and the imposing foothills of Golden.
That feeling of overwhelming gratitude welled up in my heart, and I couldn't help but say, "Thank you for everything" out loud. I wanted to stay with this feeling for as long as I could and savor it as deeply as possible. I think it lasted for about 3 minutes.
I wish I could capture that feeling in a bottle and take it out at those times when I'm not feeling well, or scared about the bills to pay, or driving in traffic. Heck, I wish I could take it out the other 99% of the time. How great would it be to live in a world where people felt grateful for just even something little, like the clothes on their back, or the food they are eating....every day. It certainly would be a paradigm shift from a world where, more often, we focus on our problems than our blessings.