Look Who’s 44…Happy Birthday to Me!
I’ve always written birthday letters to the kids, so when a priest friend of ours suggested I write myself one last year, I did.
And I loved it.
So here we go again…
With every passing year, I’m more grateful for all the little moments. Perhaps it’s because the preciousness of life becomes more acute and I become more aware. Either way, through all the good and the bad, I sought gratitude.
We have a sign in our office that reads: “A grateful heart silences a complaining voice.” I’d like to tell you I always do that, but let’s be real. I’m a sassy southerner and sometimes the words come out before I can reel them back in. Let’s just say I’m learning how to apologize and curb my tongue.
This week marks a milestone I never, ever thought I’d achieve. For two years I’ve been working out 4-5 times a week. Yes, there are more muscles and the clothes fit a little better, but I am stronger. It’s so great and it reminds me that it’s never too late to start taking care of yourself. My goal for this year? Eat better. Man, y’all, I really stink at eating the fruits and vegetables. Time to change that.
This fall, our oldest will be a senior in high school and our youngest will be in pre-K – here we go again! I still can’t quite wrap my brain around all that. My prayer is that I will relish it, instead of cry it all away. I want to see the joy in all the lasts and get excited about a whole new set of firsts.
After my grandfather died last year, I realized what a big piece of my heart went with him. I really, really miss the phone calls we used to share and his wise words. He reminded me to start living, to start acting on my goals and to quit sitting around waiting to make decisions. So, Papa, 2018 is for you. I hope I make you proud.
As women, I think we have a hard time admitting how old we are, or how much the aging process really scares us. Perhaps it’s because I am a birthday’s biggest fan, but can I challenge you with this? Celebrate the age you are, with no apologies. I’m 44 and not ashamed to admit it. That means God has given me 44 chances to grow closer to Him and to love the people I adore another year. I’d say that’s pretty awesome. I was 21 once and it was great, but I have to say 44 is pretty dang good, too.
43 wasn’t perfect. But, we celebrated a lot of birthdays, saw a lot of Texas, ate a lot of BBQ (post coming!!), took a lot of pictures and did a lot of soul-searching and recalibrating in the parenting and marriage departments. My word this year was “possibility.” And, today, I see so much of it ahead. Here’s to 44, y’all.
Drink a Dr Pepper for me!
Happy Birthday Kathryn! I CANNOT even believe Will is going to be a Senior this year. Nope.
Happy Birthday. I am one of your fans. I love birthdays. I am not a big celebrator of my own bday, but I do like being only 66 years old. I plan to live to be 120 so I am trying to take good care of myself, too. Good luck with the working out and eating well plan this year.
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I too am a big fan of birthdays, just not my own. However, in November of 2017 I turned 70 ~ wow! what a number! I remember thinking the 30’s was going to be the end of times!
My family feted me with the most incredible surprise party (photos on my blog) that humbled me and gave me an even deeper appreciation for this life our Lord God has given us. My word last year was “enough” and was the perfect fit for me. This year my word is “grace” and I’m appreciating that entering the 7th decade of my life, along with faith, husband and children, showers me with grace every day.
Here’s to many many more Happy Birthdays for us all! XO ~ Karen
Happy birthday from a fellow Gemini of similar age. The number hasn’t bothered me yet… Hoping that I continue to feel that way. You’re only as old as you think you are!
Enjoy your day!
Perfect words for me, too, Kathryn! I am going to pray to relish all parts of Paxton’s marriage to a wonderful woman! That was just what I needed to read. I am going to relish instead of “blubber.” Thanks for the inspiration! Enjoy Texas 4-H Roundup 2018–my first to miss is some time. Keep us posted on your kids’ successes this week.
Happy birthday to an amazing lady. Always to get Whitaker news. Paxton’s 24th birthday is today. Guess that means you were 20 the day he was born. Good luck at Roundup. And if Donna does not blubber at their wedding that will be a first. Love to all.
We had a great week – Will won food show and it’s mostly thanks to a great 4-H agent I had back in the day 😉
I loved this post – so inspiring especially as I’m celebrating my 55th birthday today. Thank you for providing so much food for thought.
Happy birthday!
I love birthdays too.. and what a great idea to write a letter to yourself, not just to the children. I think I wrote something for myself this year. I didn’t even realize I was following the superb Kathryn 😉
Have a great and wonderful year.
Ha! You’re so kind.