Another Birthday, A Time to Reflect and Be Thankful

I have always liked birthday parties!

Today, on my birthday, I awoke to my iPhone notifying me that I had over 60 postings on my Facebook wall (all before 7:00am!). As I went through my morning routine I scrolled through the numerous birthday wishes, and it was a pleasure to see so many people wish me a happy birthday, many of whom I have not seen or spoken to in person for many years.

I have always made a habit of using my birthday as a time of reflection. This year I was struck by how much my life has changed during the past few years, and how many new friends I have made along the way, and how many I have lost touch with.

My twin brother and I on our first birthday

As I look through my Facebook friends list, I can warmly remember the good times, and the bad times, that I spent with each person. Each person that I have had the pleasure of knowing thus far has played an important role in my life, whether they be family members, childhood friends, work friends, undergrad/law school friends, Masonic brethren, or even those that I have met through this blog or other websites. Each of these people have provided shoulders to lean on, provided gentle (sometimes not so gentle) nudges in the right direction, provided attentive ears and sage advice, and most of all filled my life with joy. Even the “bad experiences” have worked out in the end, and have provided important life lessons.

As far as reflecting on my life’s journey it is astounding how much my life has changed in the past few years. Just during the past five years alone I have gotten married, been blessed with a son, graduated from law school, and joined the world’s oldest fraternity, and almost completed a comparative religion book (still editing), all of which have been important milestones and blessings in my life. Inevitably as I have matured and my life has become more and more hectic, my circle of close friends has become smaller and more closely knit, and I seem to have far less free-time than I did in my younger years.  However, I feel as though I am more confident, happy, and comfortable with who I am as a person than I have ever been before. This is due in no small part to those people who have supported me during my upbringing, teenage years, education, career, and especially on my spiritual path.

Given the fantastic journey I have been on, and with the continued support of my friends and family, especially my wife Jessica, I am excited to see what the future has in store, but I am more than happy to simply enjoy living in the now, and the many blessings that surround me.

Practical Tip: Enjoy the company of friends, and enjoy the path of life. If you follow your heart, and have the support of friends and family, there is no telling where your path will take you.

My wife Jessica and I

My friend Matt Anthony and I (I guess I have a thing for shamrocks… but hey I’m Irish!)

My Masonic officer installation

Also please check out my book, “The Path: Using the Religions of the World as a Guide to Personal and Spiritual Development.” (Click on the book cover to view on Amazon.com)