A Birthday Love Letter

I was born on December 9th, 1969 with both the sun and moon in Sagittarius - last week I turned 52. I've always identified deeply with this sign- the archer- the deep wisdom-seeking, the call of adventure, the beauty of expansion, all with the enthusiasm of fire. Leaping and soaring with my bow and arrow.

Every year I welcome my birthday, as getting older is a privilege denied to many. It's a gift to be alive and well, and my life is full of many gifts and blessings, many rich and rewarding life experiences, a lot of love and support, all for which I am enormously grateful. So yes, I always celebrate my birthday in some fashion.

But of course every year is unique, and quite different from the last. The constant in each is that every birthday celebration is always an expression of my truth, of where I am in my life, in my being. And where I am now is in major transition, literally and metaphorically. I’m exploring, reflecting, traveling, and deeply envisioning what’s to come. And there are indeed some exciting and wonderful endeavors already on their way - which I will hold privately for now.

But with all I am moving towards, it’s also time for me to let go of many things, so that I may make space for the new.

TRUTH: I have felt much resistance to slowing down, to letting go, for some time (maybe for always). We live in a world where being productive every minute of every day is a badge of honor. This mindset is embedded in us. And the many years of "non-stop” - leaping, soaring, achieving - frankly has been exhausting. The truth (my higher wisdom) has been making itself known to me in some very challenging ways. So I’m paying attention and I am up for the challenge.

I am currently in Maui immersing myself in the Aloha spirit of Love, Peace, Compassion. Surrendering to and harnessing this powerful energy, soaking it into my bones, my soul. I am doing this for my body, mind, heart, and certainly my creative spirit, to remember that I get to decide how I want the rest of my life to FEEL. I will take this energy with me on my journey toward the wonderful changes happening ahead.

My life’s work is about inspiring and teaching others how to live happier, healthier lives. In fact my philosophy – “I believe everyone has the opportunity to live a better life” - is all over everything about which I write and speak. But maybe, in this moment for me, living a better life means giving myself a break and remembering that “everyone” includes me too! And maybe it means that I’m going to hit the pause button and allow myself the time and space to recharge my spirit.

I encourage you to tune and listen to what you need right here, right now in this moment. Because when we move toward living better lives, we follow our own core beliefs, our own higher truth, wisdom, and values that align with who we are. Self-awareness, growth, and becoming more fulfilled is a fluid and ongoing process. Most importantly, it’s subjective. For you it may be taking the first small step towards a conscious health journey, or perhaps learning to practice self-love, finding meaning in small moments, and so on.

I know that these often destabilizing challenges I have weathered are fertile soil for the next amazing stage of my growth. As challenges are always an opportunity for growth and meaning.

So I celebrate. I celebrate the process and I celebrate the truth. I leave hesitation behind and follow the fire blazing beneath my feet, so that I may walk in the brave new direction that's calling my name.