Post-Birthday Reflections: 40 Something and Beyond
Life has been good to me and I am grateful. Last year around this time I was ending a month-long trip in Uganda and preparing to close on my new home. I hosted a small group of friends for my birthday and eagerly began packing up my things in the place I’d lived for 5 years.
The fall semester kicked off with lots of uncertainly. It was our first time back on campus after the height of the pandemic and so much had shifted. The majority of my students started undergrad during the pandemic and this cloud of chaos, confusion, angst and despair seemed to reign over the semester.
I co-hosted the annual advocacy summit in DC and eagerly began counting down to the end of a 2-year service commitment that had been more taxing than I ever imagined. BUT I also had the wonderful pleasure of celebrating reaccreditation and homecoming at my undergrad Alma mater with deeply-loved friends.
The year ended with sweetness. I spent some time traveling and hosting in my new home. I went to South Carolina for the November holiday and welcomed my mom as we invited friends, as well as family, over for Christmas Eve dinner.
The year kicked off with one of my closest friends moving from the west to east coast and living just three hours away! For the first time in forever, we were able to celebrate her birthday with a concert to see one of my favorite jazz artists – Gregory Porter – in Charlotte, followed by a trip to see Jill Scott the following weekend in South Carolina. I fulfilled the FINAL responsibilities for my board appointment with attending the annual meeting – thankfully, hosted in Atlanta – and celebrated every single night I was there with friends! At the end of the semester I took what has become an annual traditional: a trip back to Atlanta to celebrate my 24th anniversary with my line sisters. But this trip was also special in so many other ways …
Summer was officially in full swing. I was wrapping up research projects, getting back to major home improvement to dos AND decided to retire my baby of 17 years (a 2006 Honda Civic). I was breaking connections and fostering new ones. I finally visited the Live Oak Pavilion – a riverfront venue here in Wilmington – with one of my friends to see Dave Matthews Band. We rounded out the weekend with visits to a few spots in town that were new to me, axe throwing and much needed girlfriend time. I took an overnight trip to Myrtle Beach with another friend – this was such an unexpected blessing and reminded me of how refreshing even a mini trip away can be.
AND June was even more enjoyable. I hosted, traveled to South Carolina to see family and celebrate with a friend who turned 50. I re-evaluated some of my connections and leaned deeper into what it means to care for my body at this age. I slept in and stayed up late. I opened my heart and head to new possibilities.
July kicked off with me FINALLY attending the Ocean City Jazz Festival in North Topsail Island. For my birthday, I was back in Charlotte for the Erykah Badu and Mos Def concert followed by a spa day and dinner. Later this month I’ll celebrate one year since closing on my home and this fall I’ll kick off the start of my 7th year at UNCW!
I’ve learned A LOT through these 40-something years of life. I’m grateful that I’ve loved so much more than I’ve lost. I’m so incredibly thankful for the people in my life at this exact moment and extend gratitude to those whose paths I’ve crossed along the way. I’m grateful for second, third and forth chances; grateful for meaningful work; grateful for a significant portion of my health. I’m grateful for my family and an ever-decreasing connection of trusted friends. I’m grateful for this blog – 11 years and counting! And I’m grateful for each of you who continues to read it.
My life is far from perfect, but it is mine “for the living!” For these and so many other blessings, I give thanks.
