You Look Good on You

Some forty plus years ago today, my mother gave birth to me at a hospital in San Francisco, California. On this day in 2021, I am reflecting on all the life I have lived. I am so very grateful to have lived it. I didn't always enjoy this journey because it had been hard and it definitely had not been easy but as my grandmother used to say, "if you live long enough..."

I have lived long enough to know that while this journey has not been easy, I am at a point in my life where I can most certainly enjoy it. I have raised an incredible boy who has given me two equally incredible little boys to love on and enjoy. I have graduated from college three times, landed in a profession that I am perfect for, published a book, traveled to places that I have wanted to go, purchased a home that I never thought I would be able to and made some amazing, lifelong friends along the way.

I have accomplished and overcome things people told me I never would. I have yelled at and gotten mad with God when things didn't go my way. I have cried myself to sleep at night over things that were well beyond my control but hurt anyway. I have had frustrations, disappointments and been let down more times than I can count. I have battled anxiety, depression and OCD. I have lost people that I love whom I miss everyday. Through it all, all I wanted to do most was simply get through the day and press on to the next one. No matter what was going on in my life, I knew that there was better waiting for me. I simply had to hold out long enough to get to it.

About a week ago someone close to me told me I was boring. When I think about that conversation, I have to laugh because apparently, they didn't understand what it took to get me here. Boring or not, I love the fact that today I get to live the life I want to live. Oh, don't get me wrong, it is by no stretch of the imagination perfect but it is mine and I love it! I have the freedom to go where I want and do what I want. Last year I had the opportunity to start theology school and I jumped at the opportunity. My district offered an eight-week training program that I had been wanting to take so, I signed up. This past summer, another opportunity to enroll in a yoga training, which I had been wanting to do, came up so I took it. As of today, all three courses/programs have run into each other and even though my schedule is a little packed, I am enjoying every moment. My sister said, "you are going to be so bored when all of this is over." I said, " no I won't because I am signing up to take piano lessons next!"

What seems like a lot to others is me simply living the life I enjoy. The life so many others sacrificed for me to have. On today, I think about my family who are no longer here with me. I think about my parents, the two people on this earth who loved me most. I think about them and hope that I make them proud. No matter what I am going through, I think about what they would want for me and do my best to live it. They literally poured their hearts and souls into me. I have to live out every day God graces me to have with passion, purpose and commitment. I have to live for them because that is what they would want me to do. I will live full so I can die empty!

Happy Birthday, Ro! Conquer the day!