A funny thing happened this year for my birthday. It happened quietly and with ease, almost a natural progression. My birthday was over a week ago, but last night I celebrated with my kids and husband. I asked for a combined Mother’s day/Birthday day gift this year. I asked for dinner out with my kids and husband. The ground rules were:

• Number 1: I don’t have to set it up and,
• Number 2: Not on Mother’s Day (for a host of reasons, I hate dining out on Mother’s day. So I won’t bore you with the details!)

This started a theme for my birthday. I didn’t realize it until I looked back on the last weeks. I was invited to dinner and lunches by my moms, dad, and friends. These dear friends and family did ask about gifts but, I just wanted one on one time with the special people in my life.

In enjoying myself immensely I have discovered a precious gift: The gift of time. I’ve always struggled in answering the question “What do you want for your birthday?” Its a balance to sound humble and not greedy. I don’t want to demand gifts or create expectations that someone cannot meet. So, I gave up this year. I didn’t want things. My life has changed so when the people I love can take time out of their busy days spend time with me, while considering my schedule, I am truly blessed.

I am in a period of my life where I need to pull away. Let the others follow their own dreams for awhile. In the meantime, I am discovering who I am in this next journey. Circumstances have forced me to take care of myself. I have been spending a lot of time getting closer to my God, with my son (last year of high school), learning/researching new information, and writing. I haven’t had a lot of time for going out, attending events, etc.

In thinking about this new turn I found there really is, no greater gift then our presence. In spite of all the pulling away to my quiet spaces, I am still blessed with family and friends that are willing to spend time with this introvert. This has been an amazing birthday season. I don’t guarantee I’ll want the same things next year (wink) but I’ll appreciate this gift so much more now and in the future. All I can say is thank you.