Day 15 in my Giving Thanks Series brings me to my birthday.

Yep – Today’s the big day!  39 years old…

Do I look it?

Personally, I think I do.  And  you know what?

I like that.

Most magazines would have you thinking I should want to look 29 instead of 39, societal pressure would encourage you to think I should be hiding my flaws, not flaunting them.  But, here’s why I’m grateful to look my age…

• I am thankful for the lines on my brow that remind me not to worry about the small things.

• I am thankful for the laugh lines and crinkles around my eyes that show the world I have had lots of reasons to laugh and smile. 

• I am incredibly thankful for the children in my life who are pictured in the background.  Those faces make my world go round.

• I am thankful for the gray in my hair (albeit hidden by highlights) that symbolizes the maturity I’ve gained and the lessons I’ve learned.

• I am thankful for the family I’ve been blessed with that have each taught me something I carry with me to this day – that watercolor palm tree was painted by my grandmother – the yellow letter on my cork board is a birthday card written by my stepson in 2nd grade (he’s now in college!).

• I am thankful that I was given another birthday, another year to become the person I want to be, to accomplish the things I want to achieve, to raise and guide my children to fulfill their potential.  Not everyone is so lucky.

• I am thankful for the sparkle in my eye and smile on my face that shows that I have learned  no matter how tough things are in this moment, tomorrow is a new day…

More thankful posts…

Day 1 & 2   |   Day 3  |   Day 4  |  Day 5  |  Day 6  | Day 7  |  Day 8  |  Day 9  |  Day 10  |  Day 11  |  Day 12  |  Day 13  |  Day 14  |

Isn’t this letter too cute?  My kids haven’t gotten me a birthday present this year.  I really hope they write me a letter like this one  so that I can post them in my office and remember this snapshot of their childhood.