50 Years Ago Today Was a GOOD day

Today, on my 50th birthday, I am at peace with who I am. Over the years I have learned many things. I’m fiercely loyal to the people I love. I have developed a deep capacity for love and forgiveness; forgiveness for myself and others. I am far from perfect and there are times I have unreasonable expectations for myself and others. One of my greatest assets is my capacity for forgiveness of myself and others. What I know, is forgiveness is not forgetting, it’s choosing to NOT let the past keep me hostage any long. When I forgive, I set both of us free.

Today, it’s okay we don’t see eye-to-eye on everything. It’s not a sign of weakness or a lack of love/caring on either party’s part. Most of the time, I can speak my truth with dignity and grace. If my actions have harmed someone, I take responsibility for my actions and promptly make amends. I have a deep, deep love of music and photography; they keep me grounded. If you look at my photos you’ll see my heart. I have taken thousands upon thousands of photos, and I can tell you were each one of them was taken, who I was with and how I was feeling at the time I shot a particular photo.

My photography is quite literally a journal of my life, and yet it is woefully inadequate at expressing the deep sense of gratitude I have for all the extraordinary people in my life, who have held my hand in the darkest scarcest moments of my life, and there have been many. The people who have taught me by example how to be a loving responsible member of society. Each man I have ever loved has changed me, for the better. Each friendship I have ever had has been a mirror of who I am, an inspiration of what I aspire to be, or sometimes both; some of my family members are/were difficulty to love, but each and every one of them hold a special place in my heart; they are far more than the challenging aspects of their personality(ies)

And even though I am at peace with who I am, I know without out a doubt I have more room to grow. I will continue to face situations that challenge me; that force me to choose ‘Would I rather be right, or would I rather be happy?’ And when the choices aren’t so clear, I know I’ll have the people and resources to call upon to help me make those critical decisions.

What a gift!