Birthday Loading: Reflections on Next Chapters and Overflow (Video Clips Included)
It is my birthday month! And while there are a plethora of emotions I’m holding, perhaps the most pressing is gratitude. With a little more than a year of being back in the metro area, one complete year at the new gig, relocation … again, my church home, engagement with a vibrant hiking community alongside solo movement (October will be THREE years), some strengthened connections and even more letting go, I am thankful to say I approach this birth year with overflow.
The new year is coming in with all the bells, whistles, butterflies, rainbows and ladybugs I nEVER imagined. AND I’m reminded of remaining rooted in purpose and my faith, through all the wonderful ups and in anticipation of the downs that will surely come.
To that end, I continue to pause and give thanks for every single opportunity that comes my way. Earlier this year I had the chance to sit down with a graduate student from Clemson University’s College of Architecture and Dr. Lyndsey Deaton’s Health Equity + Environmental Design Lab. Our conversation and a few selected clips remind me that this life – my life – is grander than my moments of play, enjoyment and peace (although these ARE important and vital to my well-being). It is also about service, meaningful work, GIVING, LOVING, continued learning and approximate positioning.
Not only was it affirming to reflect on the second toughest job I’ll ever love …
but also to share my thoughts on the power of one.
.
I’m grateful that I not only get to live a life designed just for me that meets my needs alongside many of my wants, but one that has been crafted to be a blessing to others. I’m grateful for the 46 years that will soon be part of a former chapter; and I look ahead with eager anticipation of what the next leg(s) of my journey will bring.
