Yesterday was my birthday. Since not many people actually party on Sunday I opted to celebrate on Saturday. In years past I have put together big sha-bangs, celebrated my birthday for a week (and generally regretted celebrating for a week), and made sure that everyone knew it was my birthday. I held the theory that if I had an overly spectacular birthday then it was sure to guarantee that the year (age wise) would be an overly phenomenal year. The past three years this theory has proved to be a bit of a dud. Don’t get me wrong there have been some phenomenal moments- moments I’d not change for the world- during those three years but looking back overall the years have just been...............blah.
This year I opted for a different approach. I put off planning anything until the latest possible moment and even asked my friends not to plan anything either. For the first time I approached it with no cares and no expectations. I didn’t worry about who told me happy birthday or who didn’t, I didn’t care about gifts, and I was even less worried about the number of people who were going to be able to show up to celebrate with me. The people who could make it and wanted to be there were the people that I wanted to celebrate with me. I laughed. I cried. I smiled. I enjoyed.
As I recounted the birthday weekend with a new, but fantastic, friend this morning I realized that for one of the first times in my life I can say I’m truly content. Recently, I embarked on a journey to make some life changes. The past month (or two) has been about finding closure and finally putting to rest some parts of the past that have had a hard time going to sleep. With this closure has come the opportunity to make some additions to my life- new friends, new experiences, new outlooks, and most importantly new opportunities for growth.
It got me to thinking: I’ve always been happy- but being content is far different than being happy. Happiness is fleeting- it comes and goes. Sometimes, most times, it’s dependent on external factors: fun, moments, actions, and material things. Contentment is deep-rooted and inexhaustible. It’s about going with the flow, enjoying the satisfaction of work and service, and appreciating the small things. I’m at a place in life where everything just is- it works, it flows, it is growing, evolving and I’m content. Truly, pleasantly content.
This year was, hands down, one of the best birthdays I’ve seen in a long time. Possibly, almost definitely, the best one yet :)
I'm happy for you that it's working out that way. Everyone should be able to say that they're content. Few of us truly can. Belated birthday wishes to you. And thanks for your kind comments on my blog. :)
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