Fifty and fabulous is my birthday theme in celebrating my 50th birthday today. Thank you friends for your kind messages and words as I jump into the fabulous-fifties decade.
Milestone birthdays are an opportunity for reflection on the preceding periods. Goodness have they been diverse. My 40s had no shortage of action, adventure, challenges and drama.
There has also been so much to be thankful for.
My first dog, Rusty, who was much loved and is now much missed. My heart and arms remain full with Rosy and Cani in my life.
I am fitter, stronger and faster than I was at 40, with thanks to having mountain trails on my doorstep to run, no shortage of other outdoor activities, and an awesome Crossfit George where I do strength exercises that I wouldn't do on my own.
In work, I've always embraced diversity, and so my journey continues with a new career to build in mediation. I have learned and grown so much in the last 10 months since I started on this path.
Friends enrich my life. Some old friends have been in my life for more than 45 years! Whether old friends from school, varsity, adventure racing, orienteering, running, JHB and Parys, or new friends made in George from GTR, Crossfit, parkrun, MUT or just from around the place, I value and appreciate you being in my life.
My family is small and they're spread all over the world. Even so, family is such that distance and time mean nothing. The love and care is always there even if weeks or months pass between check-ins.
My dad, who I rarely mention, is physically fit and is living in Mpumalanga. He is up and down (bipolar) but in regular contact. Even in the challenging periods, I never doubt his love for me or his unwavering support.
That then brings me to my mom, who many of you know because she is so much a part of my life. Liz has been a constant in my life for 50 years. She raised me to be strong, independent, to think for myself, and to trust and follow my heart. And when I waver or am undecided, she always has my back no matter which direction I choose and an abundance of love. I got lucky to get Liz as my mom.
All too often I judge myself by what I have not accomplished, which really is the wrong way of looking at things. Looking back on 50 years, I have been fortunate to flourish and gain skills and knowledge from an abundance and variety of careers, activities, communities and experiences. These have made me who I am and have led me here, a present that has me happy and content.
Thank you, friends and family, for being in my life.
As I mark off this milestone, I am optimistic and energised by what this next decade will bring.
Picture: based from a real photo, my friend Chatty (ChatGPT) created this picture including Cani and Rosy (Rosy wasn't in the original photo; I would never have been able to get both dogs to sit still like this in real life for a photo haha). Chatty used a magic brush to make me a bit more glow-y than in real life. Three cheers to glow and sparkle more in this next decade.
