It’s my birthday.

I stopped celebrating this day years ago. It’s not because I feel bad about getting older, or I have some kind of personal qualms against celebrating a year of my life, but I like to think of this as a quiet day to reflect on the past year.

After all, it’s been a year and a lot happens in that time.

I would like to say there were many life changing moments for me this year–even the insignificant ones that didn’t seem like they would have a long term effect.

One thing I learned is that all things in life (good and bad) happen within their season and then they go away. I remember this time last year: my daughter still wasn’t sleeping through the night, our family just moved, it was very chaotic and my classes were excruciating… almost bringing me to the point of quitting.

This time things are a lot more calm, smooth and everything seems to be in order. Looking back at last year, especially for choosing the time that we did to move, I realized it was timed perfectly.

I made a lot of choices to make significant improvements in my life and in my health. Perhaps it’s with the age of 40 looming in the next few years and I might just be early for my midlife crisis.

But I can see that taking all the steps I can to be the best version of myself is an investment in me, my family and those around me.

I’m eating healthier, I feel better, I’m reading more, my mind is sharper, I’m still learning new skills and I’m trying new things every day.

I learned how to take advantage of the pockets of time that I’ve had, and the tools available at my disposal, to get more writing done.

The past few months, you may have noticed an increase in volume of the writing, not only for each post, but the amount of posts.

That’s because I taught myself how to use dictation. My commute to work allows me to dictate some of my writing and my car to and from work has become a joyous part of my day as a result. I look forward to my “writing sessions.”

I’m launching another book that’s been in my drawer for quite some time and it’s one I really love and very proud of.

I made a new circle of friends that have kept me accountable, pushed me to greater things and it’s a group of wonderful people that I can rely upon.

I’ve cut off those people in my life who have been a negative influence.

I’m seeing the benefits of many of the things I’ve built upon come into fruition.

Piece by piece and little by little, the path I’ve set for myself years ago is slowly coming together in ways that I didn’t even think it would.

It’s affirming to know that I’m on the right track for once.

Well, actually it’s affirming to know that I’m on any path and not just hopelessly wandering and hoping life gets me somewhere. Although, that was a fun time in my life too.

This year I’ve really learned that whole idea that you can overestimate what you can do in a year, but severely underestimate what you can do in ten.

I’ve been taking the baby steps this year for the ten years ahead.

I also learned that tomorrow isn’t promised to anybody.

So while I plan for ten years, and hope for it, I understand that anything can happen.

I spend way less time on distracting websites, social media accounts and video games, replacing that time with my family and books. Sometimes both (my kids love having me read to them).

I’ve recognized that I have a lot more to learn in life and the lessons of the people before me should really be taken into consideration… rather than just a smile, polite nod and a thank you.

The big realization this year, however, is that I’m still young.

Provided I take care of myself and those around me, I have a lot of life ahead.

And I’m excited about that.