Another Birthday


Well another one is in the books. I am ...lets see ...53. 


I never expected to live this long.  I say that seriously. When we are young our view of the work is very unrefined and we are often in a hurry to do things. I saw myself married at 24. Kids by 30. I had no plans after that, but I never envisioned my kids married or with kids of their own.I saw married with kids as the end of my life to an extent.

I do not think that way now. I now see the world very differently and in fact see my own past very differently . While young I never expected to be this old. Now that I am old I can't believe I lived past my being young. Too many risks. Too many stupid decisions. Bad choices. Mind you my life is worth living now because along the way I made some good choices. My friends the Horsemen. My wife. The decision to have children. All risks as well, but the kind that have returns on your investment. Choices that I made without real thought but now celebrate regularly as they are the choices that have given my life purpose, joy and meaning.


I am, and was many things. Some of those things I am not proud of,  but some I am very proud of. but such is life, no do overs.  I feel for those whose choices are made for them. Whose options are limited by money, family, health or circumstances. No one should have their life defined by the decisions and choices of others. Choices that are forced or restricted are not choices. That's why we must pay attention to politics. That is why we must participate. We must chuck out any governments  that limit our choices. We must show governments that we demand they respect our choices. We need to shape our governments not the other way around.
I am not suggesting how we should vote, (despite my strong feelings on the matter),  But I am suggesting the need to be engaged and to vote. Its crude but Chris Rock said it well. YOU SHOULD VOTE


I got over 150 birthday wishes today. Humbling. I know over 150 people that I have met in my life that were willing to set aside some time in their day to drop me a line to wish me well, give me shit, make a joke, or send along a picture or video etc. You cannot sit and reflect on that reality without being humbled. I am so lucky to be alive. Lucky to have made the choices that I have. Lucky to have been  led me to this place on this day with the friends and family I have.

Thank you all for thinking of me. Thanks you for being a part of my life. Thank you all for helping me to be the person I am, in the place I am, today. And more importantly thank you for continuing to be part of my life and continuing to influence and shape me. I am honored to know such wonderful people.

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