Today is my birthday. My 39th birthday specifically.
I spent the past week poking at my psyche, trying to figure out how I feel about getting older, about approaching 40. And I found that I am completely and totally okay with it. I am happy with where I am in my life. I’m grateful that all the mistakes I’ve made in the past inform my decisions, that I don’t have to make those mistakes again. I’m grateful that I’ve become a good judge of character over the years and no longer have to waste my time on crazy people, negative nellies or drama queens. And I’m grateful that I am now mature enough to confront conflicts head-on and get them over with, rather than dancing around the edges and stewing.
10 years ago, I was a CBS News Producer living in New York City. I was thin. I had plenty of money. I had nothing tying me down.
These days, my job is non-tradional (to say the least). I couldn’t be mistaken for thin by anyone. I worry about money all the time. And I have nearly 100 mouths to feed.
But I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life. Go figure.
You know what I want for my birthday? I want you to be kinder to yourselves today. I want you to be gentle and kind to you. Cut yourself some slack. Treat yourself like someone you really, really like.
Thank you for making 38 so wonderful for me. 39 is going to be even better!
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Happy birthday. I hope that next year, at 39, I will be in as serene of a place as you are.
happy birthday to u!!!
glad u have found your “niche” and are enjoying yourself?
isnt it wonderful? i was once in the corporate world, climbing the ladder. now i work in a library and LOVE every minute of my day. imagine working with books and people all day… :>
Happy Birthday! I am especially grateful to you for bringing together this wonderful circle of people. If you ever have any days of self doubt, remember this! Thank you for being born! I’ll hoist one in your honor tonight!
Very Happy Birthday to you. I loved being 39 & 40 and would happily do either year over again. 50′s not bad, either!
Thank you for your Birthday wish. I was being a bit hard on myself today for dragging around, tired and wanting to take some time off for myself after 2+ days of going nonstop for my family. You’re right…I wouldn’t drive a friend nor enemy this way. I’m going to finish my started tasks and take the rest of the day for myself. I’ll be my own best friend for a bit. Thank you for the gift. I hope your day is as full of blessings as you’ve been to me with your kind reminder to be nice.
Happy birthday Susan and thank you for all the joy you and yours bring into my life. The 40′s were great, the 50′s were wonderful, and now at 61 I fully realize how I have finally grown into my skin! Enjoy your special day.
Well said! What a lovely sentiment. I love knowing of people who know how to live. Cheers to you…
Happy Birthday! I hope it’s a great day for you and that everyone makes it super special!
I like the thought of geting older. Some people are so afraid to turn 30 or 40, but I think they’re going to be fun ages.
Happiest of Birthdays to you!!! Last year I treated myself on my 35th birthday by applying to college- I’m currently working on a BS in Computer Science and I love it (most days!)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I turned 39 a month ago and did the same psyche search. I came to the same conclusion. I like to be me.
Again, happy, happy birthday!
(And, um, you still ARE thin.)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY…….we celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary yesterday and looking forward to many more!
I just wanted to tell you – this is exactly what I needed to “hear” today. Thanks, and I hope you have a wonderful, happy birthday.
April 25! Happy birthday to you.
Oh to be 39 and living a dream with a kind family in a beautiful place, instead of spending my waking hours in a beige cubicle at a soul-sucking pointless job until it is time to haul my arthritic old body back to my dusty house and herd of squabbling cats! Sigh. And you look plenty thin to me!
I hope that all of your birthday wishes come true. Have a great one!
Happy, happy birthday!
A very happy birthday to you!
Happy Birthday and thanks for the joy you give me, plus the advise is really good. Thanks for Arno, Sweet William and Miss Linda
Um, I totally think you’re thin. Not because I think you are but because you are. So stop *that* noise, for one.
Also- What’s so awesome about your life is that you’ve done so many DIFFERENT things and lived in so many different places.
That’s all I got, I’m tired, but HAPPY BIRTHDAAYYYY!
Happy happy birthday, Susan. 39, you’re a baby. My oldest will be turning 39 this June. My advice to you is.. enjoy everyday of every year. They’re all great in their own special way. xoxo
Happy Birthday Susan!
I wish you the best. Have a wonderful birthday.
And thanks for the reminder, it is so easy to forget that. And the same to you.
Happy Birthday Susan!! Thanks for adding something special to our day! I will be 49 in a couple of days and have been going over same check list and find that I really need to give myself a break (as many of us do). My waistline is boldly going where it has never gone before. But there is only so much one can do – so I pledge to eat healthy (most of the time), throw away the scale and only look in the mirror to comb my hair (not obssess about my appearance). However, when I win MegaBucks I may invest in a personal trainer – until then I’ll eat my salad, take my walk and maybe just one cookie…..
Happy Birthday Susan! (sorry I’m a day late) Today is first day of the rest of your life. It will only get better from here.
I will be 56 on May 1st. I now celebrate every day that I have health, family to love, moments to share with family and friends and moments to praise an awesome God. I’ve come to the conclusion that those are the important things. Some of my favorite times in my life have been when I only had a dollar left to my name. IMO, the real riches in life are things money can’t buy. Yes, I’ve put on some pounds since my early years and am letting my gray hair show through. I like myself much better now. I will take your suggestion and do something good for myself. I will get a badly needed pedicure, since the last one was about a year ago.
So, I hope your 39th birthday celebration is fantastic! Look forward to 40. Be kind to yourself, also. Be proud. You have accomplished so much!
Ginny
Sus, I am a day late seeing this but just wanted you to know that I read it and am thinking of you. You are so beautiful to me and so important in my life!!! Miss you so much!
xoxo
Happy Birthday!
Hope you had a wonderful Birthday Susan. How fabulous that you are able to do something that you love and are content with your life. At 66, I enjoy and look forward to all the beautiful friends and joys that life brings! Each day is to be treasured!
Happy birthday and good for you, that hopefully you’re doing something you love. I have reached an age ( alas..older than you) where I want to do only what makes me truly happy ( knitting???).The only thing standing in my way is that I need more money to support my love of yarn.
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