February 22nd, 2017

"Gotta be flexible, learn to roll with it."  I am reminded of this all the time.  Today for instance. The originial 'Plan', and I use the term loosely, was to go hiking with my sister.  While she is still in Florida, we try to hike once each week and we try to find a different trail, if not a different park, each time.  This was the day we intended to go. Looking forward to it.  Did some research looking for new hikes.  Most importantly, had my hiking clothes all picked out. And then, woke up today to the above sights.  Rain.  Checked the weather report.  Rain all day. Crap.

Now, me?  Generally speaking, I love a rainy day. I love to bake  most of the day away and then spend the balance of it curled up with a book, listening to the sound of the rain on the roof, maybe with a cup of soup.  It's just a cozy feeling. I wouldn't want to do it every day, or even every week, still waking up to rain doesn't depress me. But today I had a plan, doggone it!  And I was really looking forward to spending this time with my sister so, okay, Plan B it is!

Instead, I have declared today, Celebrate Joy's Birthday Early Day!!  It's just a few weeks away and this way it's almost like a surprise party.  She is totally on board!  Today will be all things Joy.  We will spend the day doing whatever it is she would like to do (I suspect the mall is in our immediate future), definitely do lunch and who knows what else. It's her birthday, it's her choice.

That's how birthdays should be celebrated.  Out of the 365 days that comprise a year, there is only one that is your special day and it should be celebrated.  It doesn't matter how many times the earth has moved around the sun in your lifetime, each birthday matters, each one is important and every single solitary one of them should be celebrated.

Now how you celebrate is up to you.  Some people like a huge party, the big hangover-inducing blow out!  Other people prefer something smaller, more intimate.  Or it could be that from year to year, your preference changes.  It's a day to rejoice that you have made it through one more year. It's a day to reflect on how far you've come. It's a day to look forward to how far you have yet to travel.  Everything that's happened to you in your life so far, all of your experiences, your joys, your sorrows, your successes and your regrets are what, together, have built you; made you who you are.  And what you are, is pretty spectacular.  Celebrate that!

And when your plans tip sideways; go with Plan B!  It's probably the better plan anyway. I can already tell, today is going to be awesome! Bring an umbrella.