Once a year our birthdays roll around. Mine is June 28th – today.
I remember a time when I could hardly wait for my birthday to arrive.
I’d be a year older (maybe even a year wiser) and would look forward to opening all my presents as well as the obligatory birthday bash.
Birthdays bring with them a whole host of emotions.
Obviously the most common is that of anticipation and excitement but as we get older some people actually dread their birthday as it’s another reminder of them getting older.
These days I prefer small intimate dinners with family and possibly close friends.
I don’t need all the hoopla or any lavish gifts.
For me the greatest gift is having those people in my life.
But it’s always nice to get something special.
This year my wife got me a study set I’d had my eye on for a while and I look forward to creating a course based on it to help my clients.
I honestly can’t wait for the day my son makes me something with his own two hands and gives it to me for my birthday, now that will be something I will always treasure – his first real gift to me.
And thanks to Facebook over 40 people wrote and wished me a happy birthday.
In this day and age, showing people we care is easier than ever. A quick email, a post on their Facebook page or an e-card, they all take less than 10 minutes of your time to show someone you care.
I think you’d be surprised just how much people appreciate you taking the time.
It’s the gift of attention. Of caring.
It’s hard to believe but I’m now 37. It seems like just yesterday that I was a young kid playing hide and seek with the neighborhood kids.
There were times when I wasn’t sure I’d make it.
I almost drowned 3 times, I had numerous accidents and I went through a glass window.
And yet, here I am.
Each birthday I do say a little thanks to the guy upstairs for keeping me around to help pass along my message.
With any luck (and my wife’s loving care) I’ll be around for a long time to come.
Thanks again for being a part of my journey.
Adrian Shepherd