87-years-old

My birthday came this past week.
Mile-stone marker prompts reflection.

What would I like to have heard
Earlier in my life?

You CAN ask for help.
You are enough.
We are happy you are here.
Don't wait to live life fully.
You matter.
Choosing Happy is not selfish.

Yes, you can.
Keep at it.

We tend to think of
Decade birthdays,
Maybe include five-year increments
As the note-worthy markers.
But—Really ...?

Hasn't each birthday marked
Passage of a significant time?
Maybe time noted as having
Growth in some way.

Growth in height, coordination, steadiness,
Communication, patience, determination,
Awareness. Appreciation.
Gratitude is bigger and bigger for me
With each year-marker.

My Gratitude-Prism,
Reminding myself of
Granular Gratitude...
Those things taken for granted that
Make my life "smooth" in many ways...
Important to notice.

Do I do these things consistently?
Nope.  
I'm still this fallible human,
Still learning—
Grateful for the chance.

For my days ahead?
Notice and Appreciate.

May you take that privilege
Each day.

Hugs,
Lin

Thinking of this large number birthday,
Viewing years as my own long "stage play,”
Years show up as short.
Some days, the long sort.
I'm grateful to be on this "runway.”