Happy Birthday!

Birthdays are wonderful times in our lives and they are gifts that occur each year.  These are opportunities that are given to us to renew our connection and recognition of who we are – at our core.  They are opportunities to express gratitude to our ancestors and those in our lives that provide us with opportunities for growth on a daily basis.

Oftentimes, they are periods of reflection.  “I am one year older and one year closer to dying.  What have I done with my life thus far?  What should I do with my life in the future?”  This reflection can be a celebration if you are satisfied or a lamentation if you feel there could have been much room for improvement.

The good news is that in respects to your past there should be no regrets whatsoever.  You did what you did; you thought what you thought because of where you were in your growth cycle – PERIOD.  You needed it be there to learn what you needed to learn – as painful as it might have been.  Your future has yet to be written.  It can be whatever you choose to make it.  I am not talking about material gain here, that has nothing to do with happiness and growth on your path.  In fact, it can be an impediment if you get caught up in the myth that the material world can satisfy your needs – it cannot.

You need ONLY yourself to be happy.  If you cannot find a way to be happy with yourself alone, then no number of other people will help.  Your loving children and spouse certainly are wonderful fringe benefits but if you don’t have love of yourself, if you are not comfortable in your own skin with whom you are, then it does not matter they they are in your life.

So take this day of rebirth and renewal to heart.  Don’t use it merely as an opportunity to imbibe in spirits of the liquid kind but instead drink in the spiritual energy and wisdom of the universe, earth, and sages.  Spend some time in quiet reflection.  Truly be grateful for your life as it has been up until now.  Rejoice in the continued opportunity to grow and develop your spiritual self on your pathway to enlightenment.  Today is truly a gift.  Thank your parents who enabled you to be in the form you are in.  Thank them for providing direction and protection as needed.  

Life is wondrous.  Live it to the fullest spiritually.  Love yourself and others will love you too.  Turn everyday into a birthday.  For every day, every moment is an opportunity for renewal and reflection.  Rejoice!  Happy Birthday, today and everyday!

(This posting is in honor of my two sons one whose birthday is today and the other whose birthday is July 10th.  Love ya guys!)