On this July 6, I celebrate my 57th Birthday.
I consider the occasion a special day. I always have and always will. For, it is the day I decided to arrive on planet Earth. I see the same thing for everyone, no matter your circumstances. The world would not be the same without you in it.
You know, one of the neat things about being born mid-year is the opportunity to take stock. Half the annual calendar has transpired; there’s another half to go. What a great chance to consider what has been achieved so far. Plus, the period from July to December still affords plenty of time to course-correct on things that haven’t happened or gone as planned.
As I kick back for the next 24 hours (feeling everyone should have their birthday off), I will be reflecting upon my past, present and future.
Growing Up
If my parents were still with us, Daddy would recount the step-by-step events leading up to an emergency Caesarean birth and Mommy would want to skip over my being immediately whisked into an incubator. Either way, both truly strove to make July 6th a joyous festival. My Mom was especially proud of the lemon-filled Angel cake (with pink frosting) she baked for the family and neighbourhood parties she hosted for my school mates.
Early Adulthood
Across my 20’s and 30’s I confess to finding those images a rather sanitized version of our reality. My memories as the only child of a father who battled alcoholism and a mother who suffered with paranoid schizophrenia marked most of my identity. I felt alone, isolated and misunderstood. My cat Muschi sure seemed my one faithful friend. No matter how lovely it looked on the outside, that frankly wasn’t my truth on the inside.
Today
Unlike many, I couldn’t wait for my 40’s. A day spent at the beach resulted in writing a letter to my parents thanking them for all they HAD done. Still, I was horrified to reach 50 and discover how many decades had been lost to anger, frustration and downright sorrow. That emotional rollercoaster needed to shift. As I turn 57, I’m delighted over how much of my joyful, alive, warm, humorous and unconventional Essence has been reclaimed.
Tomorrow
The current Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935. It is said that those who share his birthday contain within a slice of his qualities.
If that is the case, I look forward with delight to demonstrating His compassion, tolerance, patience, caring and thoughtfulness. How freeing it will be to unleash even more of my playful side! For, His Holiness embodies fun-loving alongside reflection.
Toward those ends, I’ve spent portions of April through June composing a document called “Carol-Ann’s New Story”. It describes how I intend my life to be in all sectors between now and my passing at age 120.If you want to learn how to do such an exercise for yourself, I’d be happy to show you how at (905) 822-2503 or by email at support@carolannhamilton.com
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