And Another Birthday Draws to a Close...

This day might be summed up with a deep sigh. No, not an unhappy one, but a relaxed, contented one.

Birthdays seem to own the near-exclusive rights to that odd New Yearsy quality that bequeaths reflection. Sometimes it's worry about what you haven't done, what you should have done or what you're about to do. I wonder, where has that kind of thinking ever taken me? (That was one of those rhetorical reflection questions...don't bother answering it). I've decided there is much to be said for thankfulness and the determination to accept both yourself and your situation for what it is.

In short, I feel satisfied. I have come as far as I have needed to in 23 years and I know there is more. More fears and more sadness, but also more laughter, more love, more excitement and more moments that will challenge and push me to go even farther down this road.

**A part of me is still questioning: is this really me? Do I write these words? Do I mean them? Who is this positive person? The difference is that now I have the answer: this is finally me. At the end of this day, I realize I feel more me than I have in a long time. Sigh.