Birthdays cause me to reflect on life, how far we've come, and what is yet to be. I don't dwell on getting old, but the older I get, the more I realize how short and sweet life really is. Do you find yourself putting things off until "one of these days"? Have you said "one of these days, I will (fill in the blank)? I have said those words ... many times. One of these days I will get my passport and travel. One of these days I will own my dream car, a mustang. One of these days, I will work less and spend more time with my family. One of these days, I will spend more time reading, or exercising, or cooking, or gardening, or having sex, or riding my bicycle, and so and so on.
Or how about, "one of these days when I lose weight, I will buy new clothes, or take dance lessons". Who says you have to be skinny to shop or dance? Or here's one for you ... have you ever found yourself saying, "One of these days when I make more money, I will be happier"? Well, I've got news for you, money will not make you happier (I'm sure some of you are saying, yea right).
What if "one of these days" never comes? How many times have you known or heard of someone who finally reached retirement but didn't get to enjoy the golden years because of illness or even an untimely death? Come on people, we need to start living now ...we do not know what tomorrow will bring. Find what makes you happy and just do it. But be careful, don't go looking for happiness in a shopping mall, or on a cruise ship. Yes, those things may bring happiness at that moment in time, but they are not the foundation of happiness. Oh, and do not wait for others to make you happy. You are responsible for your own happiness, not your significant other, not your boss, not your parents, not your friends. IT'S UP TO YOU. Find your purpose, find your spirituality, find a way to help others, and make a promise to yourself to the best you you can be every day. And do not confuse "best" with "perfect".
“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, or worn. It is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace & gratitude.” - Denis Waitley, Author
The shopping and cruise ship are just icing on the cake.
I saw this video earlier this week, and it is so contagious, I have to share. Turn up your volume, watch it over and over again, dance to it, sing to it, and spread that positive energy to others.
24 Hours of Happy
Oh, and speaking of cake ... Birthday Cake Martini
3/4 oz. Amaretto
1 oz. Crème de Cacao
1 oz. half & half
Dip rim of martini glass in honey and then dip in sprinkles. Pour ingredients into shaker with ice. Shake about 30 seconds and strain into martini glass. (p.s. I was out of half & half and used skim milk ... not the same ... half and half will make a whiter, frothier, creamier, yummier, drink.)
Cheers! Or as the Irish would say ... Slainte! (Pronounced Slawn-cha)
