I’m always a little thoughtful around my birthday and today I’m 44 years old. What, if anything, have I learned on this 44 year journey? What do I know for sure? What can I pass on to my children that will help them grow to be good people?
Listen. Listen so you hear what is being said, not just the words, but the meaning. Listen even when know one is speaking. Hear those that are teaching. Hear those that are asking for help. Listen to your own voice and hear the warnings when something is wrong. Listen.
Give. Giving is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. The moment I give I receive. Give without conditions. Give from the heart. Give of yourself. Give gifts that cost nothing, a smile, a thank you. Give even when you have nothing. Give.
Laugh. Even when my life has been in a ditch I have always been able to laugh. I can laugh at any time of the day. Laughter sooths deep pain, rebuilds friendships and lifts us up. Laughter can be enjoyed at any time of the day or night, when you are rich or poor, on your own or with friends. Laugh.
Forgive. The hardest thing I have learned to do is forgive. I don’t want to, but I do. If you don’t forgive you will feel its pain forever. The moment you forgive you let it go and it leaves you. You can only be responsible for your actions, not others, so forgive and you will be free. Forgive.
Love. To love is not as easy as it sounds. I have learnt to love those that I don’t like. I have learnt to love even when I have felt unloved. To really love is to let the person be themself, all the time. By loving you accept a person for all that they are. Love.
I hope you know that I have listened to you when you have written to me, I hope that I have given you all something interesting to read, I hope that I have helped you laugh and I have forgiven you all for not leaving comments even when I have written a really cracking post and I love you, yes, even you.
TTFN
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May 30th, 2008 - 1:00 am
Oh, on the other side of the globe (in Austria) we are still in the mid of the 29th of May
But, anyway:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
will the next 44, 66, 88, … years be with a lot of laughter and joy!
This posting is great! I am sure your are a great mother to your boys!
Wish you a wonderful day to celebrate, lay back and enjoy,
Regina
May 30th, 2008 - 2:54 am
Happy Birthday. Thank you for the thoughtful post. It has struck a chord with me.
May 30th, 2008 - 5:17 am
Happy Birthday! What an awesome post. I hope your family does something special for you on this special day.
May 30th, 2008 - 7:00 am
Have a very happy day and thank you for your nice blog.
May 30th, 2008 - 8:44 am
Happy Birthday, dear Maddy! I was going to say something rude about getting old …but I’m only six months behind you!!
You have learned good stuff in the last 44 years.
May 30th, 2008 - 12:21 pm
Happy Birthday dear Maddy. Happy birthday.
You know you are the first blog for me. I always come away from it a better person. Or with a smile. Or a new bit of information. Thank you for all you give to us.
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Hugs for your birthday and for every day after.
May 30th, 2008 - 11:58 pm
Hey Maddy, I tagged you for a meme if you want to play along.
May 31st, 2008 - 1:05 am
and I also have something for you so stop by.
May 31st, 2008 - 5:58 pm
Lovely post Maddy! I am sure you are giving your sons a WONDERFUL legacy. Happy Birthday to you! I hope that you have a truly lovely day with lots of hugs and sticky kisses and love!
June 1st, 2008 - 5:32 am
Many Happy Returns, Maddy. I hope you had a great day.
June 3rd, 2008 - 9:15 pm
Belated birthday greetings, hope it was a good one for you.
June 5th, 2008 - 9:43 pm
And a big birthday hug fro me to you, thinking about you on your special day, wow the time has gone by tooo quickly….Claire
June 11th, 2008 - 2:26 am
Maddy,i have read some of your lines and believe me they are so inspiring. I see that you are a Gemini just like me(my BD was yesterday 9th). We tend to be so caring for others and we always want to give it all and yes I do know how it feels to try and forgive and is so hard. I am working on it…believe me. I really enjoy reading about you and your family. Best Wishes from NYC.