43

The big 43. I’m always pumped when I make another year. I've never been one to complain about getting older. I suppose it’s because I was raised by parents who never made age an issue. Years passed and they rolled with it -- no complaints. I’m just like them in this regard. Also, for whatever reason, I've always been attune to the fact that so many are denied the privilege of getting older. Each year is a gift, which is why you’ll never see me running away from a birthday.

I find myself being especially introspective today, feeling immense gratitude. I’m going to go off the rails a bit and talk about the reasons behind that gratitude.

First and foremost, I am at my healthiest and in the best physical shape of my adult life thanks to a solid commitment to daily exercise, running and a whole-food, plant-based diet. I've always been thin (without ever really trying -- until 40 that is), but I was always a “fat-thin” person, which means I was never toned or fit. I was simply lucky enough to be tall (always a saving grace when it comes to weight dispersion). I never was athletic and had limited cardiovascular exposure/ability, which makes my new lifestyle feel incredibly rewarding on many levels. I don’t think I've ever been on a run where I haven’t acknowledged to myself at least once the appreciation I feel to be able to do it.

Secondly, I like my husband -- I really like him. For a long while we had been disconnected, living more like roommates than a happily married couple. I’m not sure how that happened or if it always was and we just didn't see it. Fortunately, we recognized that we were "off" before it was too late. Counseling sessions helped reintroduce us to the art of communicating, and a friendship emerged that I don’t think we ever really had.

He makes me think … he challenges me in all the ways a best friend should … he reads my blog posts and tells me when they could be better … he lifts me up when I’m down … he makes me feel content, secure ... he inspires me to be a better person in every way. In short, he is -- without question -- my joy. We say we’re one another’s respective mojo because life just feels better together … and it is.

Dylan, Ryan and Sienna, who I have always described as bringing just the right amount of CrAzY and tons of fun to our lives, throw us off balance but in the best possible ways. I love the spontaneity and simplicity they bring. They remind me that life doesn't need to be complicated or regimented. It can just be easy and fun!

I am also fortunate to have family that I enjoy to be around, a small group of friends I adore who tell me what I need to hear versus what I want to hear, a job that I love and can do from home, two dogs that don’t shed and the ability and desire to keep on learning and growing mentally and emotionally.

As I look back on my life today, I think to myself it’s been a fantastic 43 years.

Here's to 43 more …

Two NPR-lovin', bleeding heart libs

Cousins

The Langan Family

Friends

Sisters