This week is my birthday.  I’ve now completed 37 trips around this grand old sun of ours.  I used to cringe at the thought of getting older but now I see all the wonderful things that go along with it. 

I’m finally okay with the idea of trading my youth for wisdom.  For me as I’ve gotten older, life has gotten richer.  I am more content.  I know what actually brings me joy instead of chasing what I thought I should based on the views of others.  

I’ve learned that happiness begins within me.  It isn’t something to chase on the outside, it’s something to cultivate on the inside.  The more I experiment, the more I learn how to cultivate joy and peace within me.  

As I gain more wisdom, I understand how we react to people and situations has much more to do with our inner landscape than what is happening on the outside.  This has empowered me in so many ways.  I share it in hopes to inspire you to take a look at how this can play a part in your life.

This past week I was sharing one thing that helps me in moments that are less than ideal, like my mom and aunt’s flight getting delayed to where they may miss their connecting flight and have to spend the whole day stuck at the airport.  When these situations arise, I just tell myself to Serenity Prayer it.  It may sound silly but it helps me so much.

If you’ve heard of this prayer before, you probably know its association with alcoholics anonymous but I think the first part is helpful for all.  It goes like this: 

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

So as I begin my next trip around our magnificent life-giving sun, I feel gratitude for the richness that is this life and I know growing older is much better than the alternative.  

Cultivating this inner happiness and peace has been one of the greatest assets to my overall health.  Did you know people who have an optimistic view on life actually live longer?  Not to mention, all of the health conditions that can be associated with stress.  Everything from rashes, insomnia, depression, diabetes, infections, gut issues, to high blood pressure and strokes.  I could go on but you get the idea.  It’s worth the effort to deal with your stress if you want to cultivate health, peace and happiness.  

I want this for us all.  If you need a little guidance in this department, I will be opening up time slots for my 1-on-1 program soon.  If you are interested in learning more, you can sign up for the waitlist below.