And the beauty of a woman,
with passing years only grows!
-Audrey Hepburn
My actual birthday came and went like an ordinary day.
Uneventful for "normal partying society" standards. But I've never really been a part of that society.
A few days before my birthday, I traveled with my sister. It was a 5-hour trip, but I loved it.
First, because I like to visit new places. Also because it's an amazingly simple city. No cabs, no big malls, and I kid you not. The spots we were looking for are just walking distance away from each other.
I swear it's the most laid back trip I've ever had. And to think the last places I've been to are islands and beaches which are supposedly more relaxing.
Bonus: I got to see Michael Jackson's This Is It for the nth time at the hotel room. Hurrah!
Also, the day before my actual birthday, my sister and I went to our town plaza to eat our favorite, hard-to-find-somewhere-else local hotcake! Oh gosh, we were like giddy kids. We enjoyed our less than a dollar hotcake, laughed out loud remembering our childhood, and enjoyed the familiarity of the place.
If those weren't great advanced birthday celebrations, I don't know what is.
So on my birthday, while I was eating rocky road ice cream in our kitchen, I thought of a few things.
Post-birthday reflections
You don't have to wait for an occasion or special day to make epic happen.
Every day you wake up is special. Because every time you're able to open your eyes in the morning (or night if you work graveyard shifts) is reason enough to celebrate. So go travel whenever you want. Go eat something special. Celebrate anytime.
Dreams do come true.
Some of my dreams back then, like to work comfortably in my pajamas, write for a wider audience (and get paid for it), invest in the stock market regularly, and travel MORE to name a few, are now a reality. A few more are on their way. It took a while but I got here finally. God has been faithful to me even when there were times I was not. Tweet
Stick to your goals, but be flexible with your game plan.
Life will not always cooperate with you. The enemy will try to delay your God-ordained destiny. But that's all he can do. He will never be able to take away your calling. So when it seems your plans are falling apart, take heart. It's just a detour, not a dead end.
There may be a lot of hate, but there is also so much love.
I may not be the same goody two-shoes I used to be, but I am still swimming in an ocean of blessings. On my birthday, I got so many well wishes and heartfelt messages from family and friends.
My heart flutters with joy when people close to my heart honor me, thank me for random things, and express their love for me. My love tank overflows. There may be a lot of hating, war, and chaos going on around the world right now, but love is still alive. Love is still around. Love is still as powerful as it was.
Growing old is inevitable, but growing up is optional.
Need I say more?
It's been a crazy year. I don't post everything but I swear it was a bumpy ride. A lot of changes happened, a lot of major and dare I say it, "adult" decisions were made before I turned another year.
If you'll ask me what got me through, I'll give you one cheesy answer. It's love. Love from the Almighty, love from the people around me, love from our dogs (so pure and so sweet), love for myself.
It's cliche, but it's true. Love will always pull you through.
Grand celebration or intimate moment, the important thing to remember on your birthday is to remain grateful for what you have and hopeful for what you're still aiming for.So thank you, universe.
And yes, I'm ready for more.
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79 comments
You are wise, as I can see from this post. What can I say. hope more people realize what you realized, or wrote down in this post Happy birthday and keep the spirits up!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated b-day! Spending the day with your sis in a calm town sounds fantastic!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday to you, Lux. Great post. Sharing a simple birthday with someone dear to us is very meaningful. Its a beautiful reminder to always be grateful and give thanks to God for His love for us. Have a blessed weekend!
ReplyDeleteHappy (late) Birthday, Lux! It sounds like you had a fabulous day. Sometimes simplicity is the best thing, especially since it's not crowded with the noise and fuss of extravagance. I hope this year is filled with blessings for you. And on a side note, thanks for all the times you've stopped by my blog and commented this year. Means a lot, so just know you are making a difference in lives, like mine. :-D
ReplyDeleteHappy belated! Simple adventures can be the best ones.
ReplyDeleteDear Lux ... there's nothing like a birthday milestone to cause us to sit back and reflect on all that's shaping us to be who we are. Love this post.
ReplyDeleteBirthday cupcakes to you, girl!
;-}
♪♪Happy Birthday to you,♪♪
ReplyDelete♪♪Happy Birthday to you,♪♪
♪♪Happy Birthday Dear Lux,♪♪
♪♪Happy Birthday to you.♪♪
Sounds like you've found out what's important in life and what isn't. Many people never do.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Happy Birthday a bit late. You have realized some good truths.
ReplyDeleteA late Happy Birthday wish Luxe... the older I get the more I realize and know love is the most important thing in life... The simple things in life are the best xox ♡
ReplyDeleteHi, Luxie!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post this is! I'm sorry I missed your birthday. It must have been very close to mine! So, happy birthday to you! I clicked over and read your post listing misconceptions about introverts and wholeheartedly agree with them. I certainly match the description of an introvert. I appreciated your post-birthday reflections. I agree that it is important to set goals and remain flexible and patient, because life throws many curve balls at us. I agree that our dogs give us sweet, pure, unconditional love and once again I salute you for your post asserting that dogs are not food. There is a lot of hate in the world and love is the way to combat it. Thank you for coming from love here on your blog, dear friend Lux!
Happy belated birthday! You have your heart and goals in the right place!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday gorgeous Woman <3
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday to you
ReplyDeleteHi, Lux!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday and may the coming year bring you many more blessings. I like your points and agree that love is the answer. Both from our Savior and others. So good you can receive it so warmly too.
Happy belated birthday!!!! Your celebrations sound absolutely perfect to me! <3
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated Birthday! I love the sentiment of your post. A friend and I were just discussing how fortunate we feel to get up every day! It is a blessing, especially if you are like me and are healthy and can enjoy life. Can't ask for much more!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday. Sounds like you had a great birthday in adult standards. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Lux! May you always be surrounded with love wherever you go :)
ReplyDeleteBelated wishes dear! Seems like you are growing wiser. A few valid reflections you stated here
ReplyDeletexoxo - Style.. A Pastiche
Parabéns atrasado! Informação inútil: Também sou sagitariana! hahaha!
ReplyDeleteÓtima segunda!
Beijo! ^^
You are very wise darling Lux! Happy belated bday! Baci, Coco et La vie en rose fashion blog - Valeria Arizzi
ReplyDeleteHappy belated b-day doll!!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely post!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Facebook
Happy belated birthday.
ReplyDeleteI hope your life is ALWAYS full of love and laughter.
happy belated Bday :) Glad you had fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat? And you didn't invite me! He he... ;)
ReplyDeleteI know I'm 2days late to your birthday. This is wishing you everything beautiful in life and in love. Beautiful post, I will definitely share. Compliments of the Season and thanks for your support.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday to you! I am one of those who don’t like to celebrate their birthday and I have no qualms in admitting the same. You have written a beautiful post. It’s a pity to see people reserving their happiness only for special days and not for the simple and little joys in life. Dreams do come true is quite a re-assuring statement for me, given the current situation I am in.
ReplyDeleteA belated very Happy Birthday to you, dear Lux! Sending you much love and hugs, and I hope you feel the love here of those who are sending it...I definitely feel the love you send. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday, and thanks for all your positivity in 2015! I agree that we should strive to make every day special
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday. Very true, you don't have to wait for a special day, if you want to do something, do it.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday. May all your wishes come true :-)
ReplyDeletei love your reflection on marking a birthday. it's true that it doesn't have to be a big celebration to be meaningful. i'll be marking my birthday next month, and my wish is that my loved ones and i remain healthy and contented :)
ReplyDeletehappy belated birthday, girl! i rarely do anything 'special' for my birthday these days, but i do agree and think that every day can be special if you make them that:-) anyway, it seems like you had lovely little celebrations! x
ReplyDeleteHappy belated Birthday!! Wishing you the best yet ahead -xo
ReplyDeleteShauna
www.lipglossandlace.net
Glad you had a nice little post-birthday trip! How fun + relaxing!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Happy Birthday, Lux! Blessings on your new year!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Dear Lux--what a beautiful birthday post! So much richness and wisdom here~~~~~
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday! I always learn so much when i come here.
ReplyDeletewww.effortlesslady.com
Every day is, or should be a celebration! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful little trip! And I LOVE your first thought about the fact that you don't have to wait for an occasion or special day to make epic happen. That is so true. And yes, dreams do come true. Not all, but some really happen.
ReplyDeletebelated happy birthday! love your thoughts, very inspiring and positive. My favorite would be the YOLO line hahaha :)
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I can totally relate to this post :) Happy belated birthday dear :*
ReplyDeletewww.freshfacebeauty.in
Wonderful!!! I like them!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated Birthday and many blessings for the next year!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you had such a great birthday, and that sounds like the perfect way to be spending it in my opinion! So glad you could enjoy it. I will bear those things about life you mentioned in mind ;)
ReplyDeleteLux, happy belated birthday and what a treat to find you here! This really spoke to me, "The enemy will try to delay your God-ordained destiny. But that's all he can do. He will never be able to take away your calling." Such wisdom, thank you. #RaRaLinkUp
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday, Lux! Glad to hear you had such a great day, and thank you for the encouragement :)
ReplyDeleteOhh happy belated birthday! Great post! =)
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xoxo,
Jessica
Great post dear!
ReplyDeletehttp://helderschicplace.blogspot.com/2015/12/layering.html
Happy belated birthday! Your celebrations sound perfect to me, especially the hot cakes ha! I also enjoyed your reflections xx
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday! I'm glad you had a wonderful time with your sister! Congratulations on meeting so many of your goals too, that is so awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteHiya Luxxxy of life.. Happy Birthday in Arrears eh Nne! Bia! Wait ohhh!!! You do know you owe us a picShur post showing all the ghen ghen Turn uP of life that happened on your Birthday Dontcha?! So this is me wishing you all of GOD'S amazing blessings and a fulfillment of all the oh! so! ghen ghen desires of your beauRRiful heart..
ReplyDeleteSo this post made me smile.. particularly cause this is you just living and being you.. You go guuurrrlll.. Congratulations on achieving your dreams thus far.. GOD'S grace to achieve more I pray you. Oshey! Stock Market! Eeeez not a joking Sturvzz oh! Shey I said it! Lux Smart like that **Wears Mr. Nigeria Smile.
This line sank into my thick skull Nne.. You know nah! the line that went...
"remain grateful for what you have and hopeful for what you're still aiming for"
And in response the crowd goes.. True that Bubba.. True that!
Happy Birthday once again Luxxy toh Sure.. Writer toh Smart.. Blogger toh BeauRRiful :) Live long and Prosper Nne. UDo.
My mom always baked us a cake on our birthdays, but nothing else was special. At church they sang happy birthday to us. My husband's family never celebrated anything, so people are different. I am glad you and your sister could do something special on or around your birthday. Thanks for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fun post. Your reflections are quite deep and quirky.
ReplyDeleteAll I want for Christmas is...| Wishlist ~ Styleccentric Fashion' | BLOGLOVIN
XOXO Alyssa
Hey Lux. I totally love how you post this fun pictures with your thoughts. Great insight and BTW, happy belated birthday.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way to spend your pre birthday. I think the most important thing is being with those we love.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful thoughts. Happy belated birthday. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday - no matter how you celebrate!
ReplyDeletehi sweetie!!! Happy B.Day
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<<< fashion blogger >>>
What a beautiful post! I'm glad you had a good birthday, and I pray you have an amazing year ahead of you. I think your reflections are amazing, and especially like the first one :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, dear :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, dear!!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com
Great post!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice evening!
Angela Donava
http://www.lookbooks.fr/
Happy belated Birthday! :) My birthdays are always normal days. I don't ever do anything special. I should.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on having your dreams come true and meeting many of your goals. :)
Happy Holidays!
Happy Birthday to you! This was a great post. I especially liked this line: "Stick to your goals, but be flexible with your game plan." That's a mantra worth remembering. All the best for the year to come.
ReplyDeleteNice post!
ReplyDeletekisses
http://lestyledelapetiteblonde.blogspot.com.es
Growing up, we're taught our birthday is the one day a year we get to make it all about us...and do special things just for ourselves. But your post is a reminder that we don't have to wait for our birthday to come around to do that!
ReplyDeleteThe post is so great! Thanks you for sharing:)
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Great post ... awesome fun images
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays! Peace on Earth
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God does get us through! Hallelujah and happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteAs always deep and also funny reflections...and of course happy birthday too <3 <3
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For me everyday is special,birthday is just like another normal day.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Many birthday blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the deep post… it's always nice to think after your birthday!
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I am so glad you had such a wonderful birthday and that you and your sister got to travel. Sounds awesome! Great reflections on the past year too. Every day can be special! :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Ohh, belated happy birthday! I couldn't stress more how important it is to keep the faith in our hearts. You've done so well good and faithful servant :)
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