Today is my birthday! I must say it has been great. Thinking back, I bawled my eyes out when I turned 30, convinced it would all be downhill from there. Turns out the best indeed was yet to come. Through all of the ups and downs I have had to cope with since 30, today turned out to be a nice time to reflect on how my efforts to learn coping skills and strategies have culminated in a great birthday.
It all starts with having a great partner. Maybe you have read about removing toxic people from your life and how they can bring you down. Thankfully, I don't have that problem when it comes to my husband. He supports me, loves me and brings out the best in me. I feel so lucky to have him. Although I am sure he would like to win an argument now and then but, hey, he is the one who married a lawyer!
Then there are my kids. My day started at 5am with my mop haired youngest boy crawling into bed with me. "Good morning and happy birthday" he whispered in my ear as he settled in for a cuddle. He bailed by 6am when my lanky oldest loped in for a similar sentiment of "I have a high regard for you and happy birthday." Cuddles ensued.
Even the dogs were in a festive mood today!
It all starts with having a great partner. Maybe you have read about removing toxic people from your life and how they can bring you down. Thankfully, I don't have that problem when it comes to my husband. He supports me, loves me and brings out the best in me. I feel so lucky to have him. Although I am sure he would like to win an argument now and then but, hey, he is the one who married a lawyer!
Then there are my kids. My day started at 5am with my mop haired youngest boy crawling into bed with me. "Good morning and happy birthday" he whispered in my ear as he settled in for a cuddle. He bailed by 6am when my lanky oldest loped in for a similar sentiment of "I have a high regard for you and happy birthday." Cuddles ensued.
Even the dogs were in a festive mood today!
Good things continued as the day progressed. My father, who had been in the hospital, was allowed to come home today. Nice! The emails and notes rolled in as the day went on. I loved every one. Even the nurse who took my blood at the hospital wished me happy birthday.
My birthday is like New Year's Eve for me. In years past I would make lists of things I want to do over the next year. Weight to lose, cooking skills to learn. Books to read. Waterfalls to photograph.
Not this year. Romano's pizza for supper please! Check. Pound cake with butter cream frosting please! Check. Family walk around the walk with no complaining. Check. Mid-week movie that I only I get to choose please! Check. Hand made cards from my kids please! Check.
Nope, this year I will take whatever comes my way knowing that my best coping technique is to surround myself with loving awesome people. It doesn't cover all of life's roller coaster rides, but it sure helps!
I hope everyone has a happy birthday this year like mine.
No single coping technique will take all the pain away.
Try anyway.
Maggie
My birthday is like New Year's Eve for me. In years past I would make lists of things I want to do over the next year. Weight to lose, cooking skills to learn. Books to read. Waterfalls to photograph.
Not this year. Romano's pizza for supper please! Check. Pound cake with butter cream frosting please! Check. Family walk around the walk with no complaining. Check. Mid-week movie that I only I get to choose please! Check. Hand made cards from my kids please! Check.
Nope, this year I will take whatever comes my way knowing that my best coping technique is to surround myself with loving awesome people. It doesn't cover all of life's roller coaster rides, but it sure helps!
I hope everyone has a happy birthday this year like mine.
No single coping technique will take all the pain away.
Try anyway.
Maggie
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