The cat is out of the bag…Today is my birthday. Even though New Years was twelve days ago, I’ve personally made another full trip around the sun. I’m 43, but honestly, that’s a number that doesn’t mean very much to me. I feel so good that I actually woke up this morning and forgot for a moment it was my birthday. But I’m blessed to have family and friends who have reminded me with text messages and online posts. I know how lucky I am to have these people in my life.
I guess today is a good day for reflection. As I look back at my life I think, yeah, there’s a few things I’d do different. A few people I could have treated better. A few people I would have removed from my life earlier. A few people I would have held onto longer. A few chances I would have taken that I didn’t. Though, I love my life now, and would I have been the same person today had I made those choices?
Of course, that answer can never be discovered, and one thing I had learned in my years on this rock is that it’s not worth the emotional currency to think about it, let alone worry about it. I firmly believe we only have so much emotional currency to spend…It’s best not to waste it on the trivial.
Time is a road that moves forward, and it’s best to keep my eye on the road. With that, I’m conscious to be more understanding of the decisions I did or didn’t make in the past, and not make the same mistakes I did. I guess this is the older, wiser me.
Part of this new, Zen/Jedi mindfulness (I do have the beard, after all) is knowing that it is never too late to start something new. In fact, I encourage it. I’m actively seeking out opportunity to become a noob at something. To feel that rush of learning. The uncertainty or worry of doing something right or doing it well, and hopefully the accomplishment of mastering a new skill. If only a little.
I will continue to pursue those opportunities. That is my gift to myself in my forty third year. As for gifts from others? As I close my eyes before this imaginary candle on this imaginary cake, and make a wish I dearly hope comes true, I wish…
Health for my wife and for my daughters. That they live a long life full of laughter.
Strength to continue to see the good in a world that tries desperately to show the bad.
The courage to share my experiences, good and bad, in hopes that if I can reach just one person who understands and identifies, that they will know they are not alone.
The wisdom to learn from my mistakes and accept failure as a positive road to success.
The ability to forge ahead, even when I want to quit.
Many, many days spent with Mother Nature.
A Cubs World Series Championship before I’m too senile to realize it happened…
Happy Birthday to me!!!
Greg Morton 
Happy day to you Greg! I know your family, friends (and us fans!) wish all the best for you. And selfishly, I too wish for the Cubs World Championship before I’m too senile to know it happened! 🙂 Enjoy your day and here’s to many many more!
Thank you! I’ve been working a lot lately, so I’m taking some “me” time this weekend to celebrate with family and friends.
Happy Birthday, Greg! At first glance it looked like a cat was poking its head out from your backpack in the photo, so I thought you were being clever with words. Disappointed it wasn’t a cat ;).
Ha ha ha…I just saw what you saw. 🙂 I’m clever, but no cats.
Happy Birthday, Greg! Wishing you a safe & long journey in the endeavor called life. Take the ride of a lifetime & never stop living life on your terms. All the best, Dava
Thank you, sweetheart! I love my life, and looking forward to more good things to come.
You’re welcome, Greg! More things will come your way because of the special & awesome person you are. Take care dear friend, Dava