Hi gang! So yep, today is my birthday! I usually refrain from too much personal musing here on the blog, as it is really a place to talk about books. But I am feeling kind of introspective today, and thought I’d share some birthday thoughts with you.
So first off, you should know I am a person who loves my birthday. I love to celebrate, I want lots of attention, and I expect my family to provide lots of adoration (and they are very good about giving it). I am never the person who says, oh don’t make a fuss, or don’t get me a gift. I want all the fuss and all the presents! (Does this surprise any of you, really?) So this is a weird year for me because for the first time in a while I am kind of freaked out by my birthday. It is a big year for me. And the thing is, I don’t feel old. And I don’t think I act particularly mature (anyone who has spent any time with me a conference can attest to that). But somehow the number is bugging me this year. Like suddenly instead of counting up years, I am counting down. And not that we are ever guaranteed anything beyond today, but it still suddenly seems like a big deal.
Now I will be the first to tell you, I am a lucky girl. I have a wonderful husband and two fabulous kids. We have a great extended family who lives nearby and we get to see a lot. I have an amazing group of friends who are like family to us. And an incredibly awesome online community. We have a good life and I am a very happy person. But thinking about my birthday this year (and with my maudlin introspection), I decidedย it was a good time for some resolutions and goals for things I want to change or accomplish. Because no time like the present, right?
- Be more schedule-oriented during the day – One of the things I love about working from home is that I don’t have to work on a rigid schedule. And I only work part time, which means I have a lot of free time during the day to run errands, help the kids out with homework, etc. But I am realizing that I end up wasting a lot of time every day doing nothing (hello social media!). I don’t want to set an hourly schedule for myself, but I do think I need to do a better job blocking my day out so that I have work time, family time, blog time, exercise time, and am not losing hours where I can’t figure out what I even did.
- Eating better – Sigh. I have let this one go lately. That is what happens when you have a daughter who likes to bake. I am great about exercising, but need to be better about food.
- Get more involved in volunteer work – I am not quite sure what I am aiming for her, but I feel like I want to find some more causes to donate my time. Like I said, I am lucky enough to have a fairly flexible schedule, and I would like to make time for more volunteering. I think it would be good to channel some of my energy into causes that I support and give time where I can.
Ok, those are my big three. I am sure there are lots more self-improvement items I can do, but I am going to start there.
What about you guys? Does anyone else have thoughts on ways they can focus their energy this new year, or goals they want to achieve? I’d love to hear them!
Hope you all have a wonderful day!
Best wishes for a happy birthday, Jay, with lots of attention and gifts. I wish you success in meeting your new goals.
Thank you so much Kareni!
Happy birthday Jay
Age is just a number, enjoy yourself!
I do think watching what (and how much) we eat is important, and one I could do better with!!!
Thanks Suze!
Wishing you a very happy birthday Jay and it’s great to set goals for yourself I hope you enjoy your day.
Thank you!
I hope you are enjoying your birthday despite your unusual freaking out about it. ย And I hope you achieve your list. ย I am the same way with #2 – great about exercising and getting in those steps, but not so great with avoiding yummy food and drinks. ย
Thanks Jen!
Happy birthday, Jay.
Wish you have a grand day being spoiled by your loved ones, and that your goal came through. Although …don’t be too hard on yourself on the eating one. After all, we only live once. ๐
Thanks Didi!
Happy birthday, Jay! (I’m a January gal myself, and believe in drawing the celebrations out as long as possible.) You’ve already been accomplishing great things by promoting writers and books, and providing a safe space for LGBT writers, readers, and allies. So, while I definitely say go for whatever goals make you feel happy and fulfilled, you’re entitled to some feeling of accomplishment already!
Thank you Trix! what a nice thing to say. And happy birthday to you as well!
Hope you had a wonderful day! ๐
Thank you, I did!
Happy Birthday, Jay. Every birthday is a special day. You are alive, well, and happy. Wear your years and days with pride and joy. And know you are making a difference every day. None of us would know what to read next without you.
LOL, thank you so much!
Happy Birthday Jay! I hope you have a fantastic day!
Thank you so much, I did!
?????????? is Happy Birthday in Japanese XD
Good luck on your goals! Everyone approaches those differently (or, you know, at the very last moment when they have to or risk not getting it done). Sometimes it’s better to list up with you’ve accomplished instead of what you want to accomplish. Sometimes it’s better to list out what you need to do for the next day, so you wake up read to do it instead of ponder for a bit.
I hope your kid made you some awesome birthday cake! Calories don’t count if you eat them standing up, too.
Volunteering: I’d say spending time at an assisted living/retirement home is an easy one. Otherwise, pick a cause you feel needs time and attention (personally, I’d be interested in helping refugees resettle stateside or just going to local city council meetings, figure out what might need a kick in the are in your own backyard)
Or it would be Japanese if the blog supported it…*le sigh*
Lol, who runs this crappy thing! ๐
Thanks Camille! I appreciate the thoughts!
Happy Birthday ๐ I hope you had a wonderful day with lots of love and presents ๐
Thank you! I did!
Happy Birthday dear Jay! Wish you the best! ๐
Thank you so much!
Happy birthday!
Thanks Kim!
A little late but I hope you had a wonderful birthday! =)
Thank you so much!