A Birthday Reflection: The Questions That Shape My Life Now

On living with integrity, embracing change, and finding joy in the quieter moments.

It was my birthday this week. I don’t celebrate it the way I did when I was younger. Perhaps because life and living fully mean something different to me now than before. Instead of loud parties I prefer laughter and a conversation-filled dinner with friends. Instead of buying myself something expensive I’d rather spend my energy walking the magical cliffs where I live.

Time is a construct that I avoid, preferring instead to align with the organic flow of life.

I stopped counting the years long ago. These days it’s the moment that matters. Am I living with integrity? By that I mean am I being true to myself. Is there enough space between each moment to breathe grace deeply into my being? Is my art still nourishing me or has it become tedious? What needs to shift to stay attuned to my longing?

Nowadays these are my questions. So unlike the ones I asked in my younger years.

I’ve mellowed but I still dance with joy. I’m quieter but a belly laugh on occasion feels right.

I’m choosy about all my relationships now which gives me kinder friends, clients that value my work and collaborators who learn from each other.

This is me now. Unapologetic. Stronger. Wiser.

And still learning. Still evolving.

Scenes from a wonderful life.