This time last year, my life was in shambles. I was struggling just to get through the day as my marriage and my life as I knew it unraveled around me. The one person who I loved and trusted more than anything, turned out to be someone that I didn't know at all. It was my birthday and I was trapped in self-pity and wondering how I would ever make it through this time in my life. My ex was always a very good gift giver and never forgot an occasion, which made that first birthday without him around, without even acknowledging my birthday at all, a difficult one. So, my wish as I blew out my candles last year seemed like a no-brainer...to survive.
Fast forward one year and I did it, I survived! I not only made it through all of the turmoil, but I came out on the other side a stronger person. This doesn't mean that my birthday this year came without my own personal pity party, but it was better. Every year gets a little bit better and I tell myself that if that's true, then eventually my "new" normal will simply be my normal. The truth is, I like my new normal. Like I said, I am a stronger person and I really feel good about that. Maybe that strength is something that has always been there, but it has taken this adversity in my life for me to recognize it. I have a greater appreciation for the loved ones that surround me in my life and the bonds that have grown stronger over this past year. Life really is better in a lot of ways.
Suddenly, celebrating a birthday has taken on a whole new meaning. It is not about the number or even the cake, it is about life and how you live it. We should celebrate the fact that we have lived the last year of our life to the fullest and have made the best out of whatever life has handed us along the way. We should celebrate the fact that we have lived to see another birthday...that we survived. Not only that, but we survived in style.
No comments:
Post a Comment