Look who's 40!

My 40th birthday is this week. 40?! Really??? Didn't I just turn 25? I have to admit, as the date has been approaching these last few months, I started to freak out a bit. 40. I'm not married, no kids and I've just made a huge transition opening up and using my intuition and empathic abilities. Mid-life crisis? I've had multiple already. The upside, I pretty much have the meaning of life figured out* and I've basically completed my bucket list: 

• Set foot on all 7 continents before age 35 - check.
• Learn to scuba dive - in the Great Barrier Reef - check.
• Take tango lessons - in Buenos Aires - check.
• Skydive - check (along with hang gliding, parasailing, paragliding, bungee jumping, canyoning...).
• Learn how to fly a plane - check (even better, it was an acrobatic plane - talk about a flying lesson).
• Go on lots of travel adventures - check.
• Learn foreign languages - check.
• Live in other countries - check (8 and counting).

I guess it's time to create a new list. I've seen so many wonders, met so many incredible people from all different cultures and backgrounds and have had some experiences that most will only dream about. I know how fortunate and blessed I am. They say at 40 you're "over the hill." I choose to look at it as being "over the hump." I'm now pretty clear about what issues I have and am moving in the direction of resolving them. I now know what gifts I have that I can use to give back to others. I know what healing must take place, how my attitude must change and how energy affects every aspect of my being. I know that I don't have to be perfect, that no one is. I know that I can let go of the weight of the world and that it's not necessary to be so serious - neither of which serves me. I choose to enjoy the days I am gifted. I choose to meet my issues head on and be gentle on myself through it all. I now know how stress and control work against me. I choose to relax more, treat my body well and put myself first so I can be there for others. I choose to look at 40 as another beginning - one that I'm ready for and look forward to.

I know that the 40th birthday is supposed to be a big deal, but mine will be a tranquil one. Perhaps I will figure out ways to celebrate it throughout the year. I have received so many gifts for which I am very grateful. To my wonderful family - I love and miss you guys and hope to spend more time with you all again soon. To my dear friends, those still living and those who've passed on, who have been there for me no matter the distance - you are one of the greatest gifts. I miss and love you all. To those who have done sessions with me - thank you for the beautiful gifts of allowing me to assist you and continue my own growth and learning. To Beat - you have been my unwaivering support since we met all those years ago in New Zealand. Words can never convey the depth of gratitude I hold for you and all that you've done to help pull me through some very tough times. You are truly one of my Earth Angels. To all those whom I've met along the way these past 40 years - whether our circumstance were wonderful or quite the opposite, I'm grateful to you. Last but not least, I'd like to wish a Happy Birthday to my Grandpa who would've been 93 this year on our day. I'm so grateful we could spend our last few birthdays together.

In closing, "Lordy, Lordy - yep I'm 40!" and life is as I choose to live it! Love, The Birthday Girl ;)

*In case you were wondering, the meaning of life (for me) is to: experience and grow our Soul; connect with our heart; open our mind; help each other; bring love and compassion onto the planet and ALL who inhabit her; teach and learn, learn and teach; and enjoy the blessings and beauty that surrounds every single one of us every single day.