Twenty Years From Now

 Twenty years from now,

you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do,
than by the ones you did do.
So throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbour.
Catch the trade winds in your sails.

~ Mark Twain ~

When I was young, time seemed to move so slow.  The week leading up to my birthday seemed like an eternity, but now, as I grow older, birthdays arrive in a flash and pass by in what seems to be a moment.  And, as time continues to move forward, and the years are creeping up on me, I couldn't help but sit back last night. the anniversary of my birth,  to reflect and wonder about what was and what could have been. 

Last night as I pondered the fact that I had moved yet another year closer to my retirement age, I thought back to what I accomplished in life, and realized that although I have not quite accomplished what I had set out to do, I am where I want to be at this point of my life.  I've made many mistakes but that is because I am human, but I have also come a long way from the young woman who was never supposed to amount to anything.  

Yesterday's birthday turned out to be something special.  Aside from the love I felt from my family, I was given such a wonderful surprise at work, so unexpected, so filled with a sense of love and friendship that I had never sensed before.  For us, our birthday is a paid holiday.  We have the option of taking the day itself or another day in its place.  This year I decided that I didn't want a fuss made over my birthday so I decided that I would go to work and then take a day in April when my birthday was long gone.  I don't know why; it's just the way I felt this year. I just wanted the day to pass by quietly.

So, you can imagine my surprise when I walked in to the most amazing greeting and flurry of birthday wishes, something I never expected.  I was especially taken aback when lunchtime rolled around, and they treated me to a fabulous Mexican lunch, the most delicious and chocolaty cake I ever had, and gifted me with a $70 Chase gift card.  I haven't felt so touched in a long time.  It made me realize that things aren't really as bad as they may seem; it is how we perceive events that matter.

And so, although I may be another year older, I will embrace the future  and cherish my memories. Yes, it is true that the passage of time is something we become well aware of as we age, and while every year seems to go quicker, there is really nothing we can do about it, except learn to live in the day and enjoy each minute of our life to the best of our ability.

We're the bridge across forever, arching above the sea,
adventuring for our pleasure, living mysteries for the fun of it,
choosing disasters, triumphs, challenges, impossible odds,
testing ourselves over and again,
learning love and love and LOVE!

 Richard Bach (from "The Bridge Across Forever")