Sweet 16. That’s what 64 is when you were born on a leap year.

All these years I’ve joked:  If the Lord blesses me to live to 64, I’m giving myself the sweet 16 party I never had.

Ok. I’m not.

I’m not much of a party planner, and I’m still pretty much an introvert.

I am reasonably blessed to be in good health and of a (?) sound mind.

So, while I have your attention, I’d like to list a few things I’ve learned in my (ahem) 16 years.

1. 1. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Oh boy, this has taken me all this time to figure out. When the new year rolled around and it was time to pick a word, I chose a phrase. “Keep it fun”. I admit it’s a struggle at times, but I remind myself every day.
   2.  Sh*t happens. Yup. Life is hard. Good stuff happens to bad people and bad stuff happens to good people. And sometimes good things will happen to you.  The bad stuff serves to make you stronger and empathetic to others. It is not a punishment. It’s a lesson, but only if you allow it to be.
   3. When bad stuff happens, you find out who your true friends are. The ones you thought would be there, disappear. But then you find that someone you least expected to, comes up alongside you and supports you all the way through. That’s a true friend to treasure. The corollary: when one of your friends goes through a bad time, don’t disappear.
   4. Be thankful. Every day. If your life totally sucks, but you woke up today, it’s still a good day. Look for the good whichever way you glance and be thankful.
   5.  Eat right and exercise. Like, for real. Do it. It fights depression, elevates your mood, and just generally helps you to feel more positive.
   6. Know that God is with you. He is on your side. He is real. I know this with every fiber of my being. I believe deep down inside, everyone else knows this too. There is no one on this earth who can love me like my God does: unconditionally and just as I am, just as He made me. And because of that love, I go on living, breathing, and always striving to be a better human.

That’s all.  For today anyway. :)

My 16 years have taught me that life is crazy, unpredictable, difficult, and often heart wrenching.

But it is also beautiful.

I don’t know if this is my last birthday, or a springboard for many more, but I intend to always be thankful and to keep it fun.

Happy birthday to me and happy life to you.

Cheers!

Love, Carolyn

Life isn’t easy. Together we can make it better.