Birthday Brat

I love my birthday! No seriously - I really, really love my birthday. I get excited for it as soon as Christmas is over. And I have been known to remind people it is my birthday complete with countdowns and palm pilot reminders.

And although gifts are greatly appreciated it really isn't about the gifts.

Growing up my parents did a wonderful job of celebrating holidays especially birthdays. Parties at home were the best and my Momma always had the coolest themes and cakes. I even got to pick the meal that day. And my parents both did a wonderful job of making me feel special as if that day belonged only to me.

Birthday brat you might assume, but hear me out.

God created only one of me (some of you may be thankful for that), only one of me right down to the number of hairs on my head. Do you even realize how amazing that is? I am a miracle, as are you, and I believe the least I (and you should too) can do is celebrate this.

And I don't just love my birthday. I really, really love the birthdays of my family and friends too. I have been known to sing up to four different versions of Happy Birthday on various voicemails, send singing telegrams and shower people with lavish gifts. And when they remind me that it is just another day, I do my best to shower them with love, attention and thoughtfulness because I never want those whom I love to forget how special they are.

We were created in His image...no two alike...and on January 11th I will be celebrating the woman I am. The festivities begin on my birthday and go all the way through the weekend. You are more than welcome to join me.

But if you can't, let me know when your birthday is and I will rejoice in the miracle - the miracle of you!

Goals - What Goals?

So here came the infamous New Year question, "Have you written all your goals down yet?" I had already asked two people this same question earlier so I am not quite sure why I was surprised when it was asked of me. Except, I didn't have the 'right' answer.

I hadn't written not one goal down and even worse I had no idea what I really even wanted in the New Year.

And yep I said that out loud to my friend which was a big mistake. The look on his face was shock followed by a disappointed sounding "You have to have some goals about something this year."

But I didn't and I still don't.

The New Year for me has been more about reflecting than goal setting. I have made some major changes in a year some of which were based on goals the previous year. And I am still trying to digest all the craziness, disappointments, successes and accomplishments that only come when you really challenge who you are and what you want.

So to all you goal setters out there - I am proud of you and hope you are well on your way to reaching every goal you set.

As for me - I am comfortable, at least for the moment, to just be.