It’s My Birthday, and I Finally Realize that the Best Present is Counting Your Blessings!

Live every day as if it’s your best day ever!

me on my birthday pic used with permission

Today is my birthday, and I don’t mind sharing how old I am. I’m 67! Who would have thunk it?

The problem is when you get older, you don’t feel older on the inside. In my mind, I’m still that tall, skinny, insecure girl who knew what she knew, and thought she knew it better than anyone else!

Now, things have changed. I’m still tall, still insecure, but not skinny, and I sure don’t know nuffin!

That doesn’t stop me from counseling people about their lives, though. In one week, I counseled the dental hygienist who cleaned my teeth about her divorce, my great-niece about her family problems, and my son about his upcoming wedding. I’m meeting a young family member for lunch tomorrow, and I’m sure it will be more of the same.

I doubt anyone listens to my advice, but I still feel like I’m contributing.

Meanwhile, as I reflect back on my life, I do think I’ve learned some things about myself and about the world as well. I thought I’d share a few of them with you.

When someone tells you not to sweat the small stuff, then believe it. Maybe the kid who gave you the wrong fast food order was new to the job. Maybe they weren’t a fast learner. Or maybe they just don’t give a damn but just let it roll off your back the way water runs down a duck’s back.

It’s just one of those things and not serious. You aren’t sick, no one is dying, and you still have your job. Let it go.

If someone treats you badly, let them go. You are worth more than that! If it’s someone in your family, distance yourself. If it’s your boss, look for a new job. If it’s a partner, put on your running shoes.

You are worthy of respect and love, and their words will not define you unless you let them.

If you don’t know what you want to do in life, then do something until you decide. Don’t sit around twiddling your thumbs; try different things. If you don’t like it or aren’t good at it, then move on to something else.

Keep in mind you should give it a fair trial. One day, one week, or even one month is not enough.

You don’t have to have a partner. Learn to live by yourself. Make your own goals and try to do things on your own. A partner will come along in good time. If not, then have your best life without one.

Become independent and able to take care of yourself. You never know when you will need those skills.

Be kind to yourself. Don’t look in the mirror and call yourself ugly or stupid. You don’t need to look like a model or actor to be attractive. Everyone is smart in different ways.

You deserve to love yourself without self-condemnation.

Be kind to others even if they aren’t kind to you. You know the Bible says to treat others as you would want them to treat you. Maybe they are having a bad day, a bad week, or a bad life. Who knows what they are going through when you don’t see them?

Take the high road, and you won’t have any regrets.

Always practice honesty. That doesn’t mean being honest to a fault and hurting someone’s feelings. Once you tell a lie or steal, no one will ever trust you again.

Be known for your integrity.

Always keep your job skills up to date. You never know when you will need a new job. That means refreshing your skills periodically and keeping your resume up to date.

Be that person who is prepared.

Learn to manage your money. You don’t need that new purse or that expensive meal. Put the money in the bank and save for a rainy day. Pay your bills on time. It’s all part of having integrity.

Listen to your grandparents when they tell you that there will always be a rainy day.

Spend time with your loved ones. They may not be here tomorrow. Ask them questions, learn about their lives, and listen to their dreams.

One day you will wish someone would do this with you.

Don’t speak in anger. Learn to control yourself. You cannot take back words no matter how many times you say you are sorry.

No one likes to be talked down to or yelled at. Neither do you!

Learn to say you are sorry. When you say it, mean it! It goes a long way if you admit you are wrong.

We are all wrong sometimes, or maybe even a lot of times. Just say it like this, “I’m sorry.”

Learn to say I love you. Say it to yourself first and then to everyone you love.

Say I love you often.

Learn to forgive. Carrying grudges only hurts yourself.

The first person to forgive is yourself.

Ya’ll I’ve had a great birthday, and it’s not over. I’ve had cards, lunches, dinners, and lots of Facebook greetings. I appreciate my friends more than ever.

I’ve outlived my mother by six years, my brother by 11 years, and I’m only three years away from the age my sister was when she was killed in a car wreck.

I appreciate every day I have left. I have kids to counsel and grandkids to anticipate. My husband and I are closer than ever, and we are doing well so far.

Live every day as if it’s your best day ever.

Love

Ruby Lee