For the past 18 years, I have not been happy about birthdays (really, I haven't been happy about birthdays since I was 21!). I didn't want any more - and didn't want to have any acknowledgement about them. Didn't really want any celebration. Just a number. But, people (especially my family) always encouraged me to anyway.
This year I've decided to go from grumpy to grateful - from apathetic to celebratory. And it has been a joyful decision (though one I have done fairly quietly). I have much to be thankful for and it is a shame to waste another second.
I'm so happy to be with my family and in good health for the first time in many years. I am pondering achievements and creating the vision for new milestones.
You see, in the past I was grumpy. Thus, not only was I grumpy -- I made others around me grumpy! That was my decision. So despite cards, gifts, dinners or (heaven forbid) parties, I was deciding to be cranky and grouchy. Of course, everyone wants to be around that, right!
Now I am making a choice that since I cannot stop birthdays from happening I am choosing to celebrate them! Much like my wife and I celebrate our major anniversaries every month (even in some small way), I am celebrating my birthday every day! Celebrating the time I have left.
It changes your perspective. It changes your attitude. It can change your relationships. It can change your business.
I highly commend it!
