Saturday marked another year around the globe. Each year my birthday comes with mixed feelings. I feel such joy and gratitude. I feel both young and old. I feel retrospective as well as inspired looking to the next. This year was no different. I felt all those things along with some new, and dare I say improved, feelings and experiences.
First, let’s start with two quotes and lessons of the last year.
Them: (At your age) you need to listen to your body more!
My Body: Your old and you want to eat tacos
Taco Society
I added the (at your age) to this as it’s my birthday and I am slowly accepting the fact that I am now considered old by many, but it’s true. I believe tacos may be the perfect food and deserves its own food group. I am simply happier if I am eating tacos somewhere, preferably with family and/or friends. However, if no friends or family are present, I have zero shame in eating tacos by myself. Trust me, just eat more tacos and thank me later.
The second quote is from Chase Jarvis. I found Chase many many years ago in my pursuit of photography as he and his crew are incredible photographers and story tellers with photo and video. I don’t follow closely anymore but occasionally something pops into my feed or my friend group shares a quote.
Happiness is the new rich.
Health is the new wealth.
Kindness is the new cool.
Chase Jarvis
This quote found it’s way to my social media later in the year. However, it pretty much sums up what I believe, what I am striving for and what I am focusing on. Honestly, I have been meditating on this frequently since t came across my social feed. Sometimes as a start to the day and sometimes when I am feeling nervous or concerned about parts of my life not moving fast enough or progressing as my mind “thinks they should”. I know I am not alone in the “thinks they should” thinking. It’s just wrong, but rather than focusing on what I have didn’t do, I’d much rather focus on what I believe and what I am striving for or to be.
And with that seriousness out of the way, here is another thought I encourage you all to experience and please invite me! Let me introduce you to “The Day of Aimlessness”. As I look back over images taken on or around my birthday, I have always tried to spend it outdoors. Sometimes it’s been bike rides by myself. Other times it’s been bike rides with friends. Sometimes the rides are long. Sometimes they are short. Sometimes it’s hiking. Sometimes I was hung over. Sometimes I was on jetlag returning from Asia. However, I have always gotten outside.
This year was no different. Due to weather, I invited some friends out on a Day of Aimlessness. In the invite I simply had a meeting point and a few options on what the day might look like so folks were prepared. Beyond that, we just let the day unfold in front of us. It was a perfect way to start my day. I encourage you all to take a day of aimlessness on your birthday or some meaning day each year to relish in your past year and enjoy what you love most.
My day ended with a dinner out with my life partner and best friend at one of my favorite restaurants, Rincon 38.
I’d call that a perfect freaking day. Also, thanks to my friends and family that messaged me or pinged me on social with birthday wishes. It was/is much appreciated.
Onto the next!
ImagineGnat 