49 Years of Life. Thank You, Life! 🤍

I am 49 years old today, and I love the gift of age.

I am very present to each year and the gifts it brings, even through the challenges.

I had a mantra for my 40s, and I fell in love with how it played out in my life. I started speaking it in my 30s. It was fun to say and believe, but when I turned 40, I began to see it come alive.

So, of course, I chose a mantra for 50: Freedom by 50.

It has been a gift to my heart to speak those words, be curious about them, learn, write, and feel my way through the challenges as I lean into this journey.

A few months ago, as my 49th birthday was getting closer, I decided to make this year extra special.

My dad, who is no longer here, was born in 1949. What a beautiful connection. I want my 49th year to be a time to reflect on the gifts he gave our family and the world through his love and his life.

My Birthday Morning

I woke up early this morning.

I have trained myself to say "thank you" when I wake up. As I was saying those words, I remembered it was my birthday and smiled so big!

How do I want to spend today? How do I want to spend my morning?

My mornings are precious to me. I love the feeling of a fresh start, a fresh feeling in my body and soul, the solitude of my quiet house, and the peace and beauty of the world outside.

I decided to spend my morning under the stars, with my coffee, silence, and a heart full of love for the blessings in my life.

I saw two shooting stars.

Thank you, life!

I cleaned the kitchen a bit and made myself a delicious, nutritious breakfast of eggs, rice, and broccoli. And I really enjoyed that broccoli!

With my marathon training continuing to level up, I hadn't had fruits or veggies since Wednesday. I ran a good marathon on Saturday, and now the reward is that fruits and veggies are back until Wednesday!

The little things. They feel so good.

The Gifts of an Ordinary Day

As I listened to a podcast and received birthday messages from dear friends, a text came in from my daughter, Lanea.

"Do you want to have Odin?"

Um, YES!

Having my sweet grandson and taking a stroller walk in the 6 a.m. morning light was such a gift. The road was quiet, with only one car passing by. We talked and enjoyed the trees and morning sky together.

As the day continued, I received a hug from a friend, hugs from my family, and a swim at my favorite beach.

My family sang happy birthday, and I chose some treats from Trader Joe's instead of a traditional birthday cake.

It was just perfect.

Tony split some wood, and I moved it to a spot to be piled. I love physical work and the opportunity to move my body.

Lanea, Christian, and Odin were present throughout the day, and Danica spent time with us outside in the yard.

Sunshine, conversation, and time together.

So good for my momma heart.

The Gift of 49

I feel abundantly blessed today.

This year will hold treasures I can only imagine in my heart.

Treasures of experiences, memories, and moments with family and friends. Continued growth as a teacher. And the blessings of sharing BEMER in my community as my schedule allows and doors open.

I don't know all that 49 will bring, but I am grateful to be here for it.

For the challenges that invite me to grow.

For the ordinary moments that feel extraordinary when I am present enough to notice them.

For the people I love and the people who love me.

For my dad, whose love and life are part of the story I continue to live.

And for another year of becoming.

Happy 49th birthday to me.

Thank you, life, for the beauty of nature, family, friendship, and the gift of another year.

Here's to 49, and all the beautiful treasures yet to come. 🤍