Hello, 45! Here we are. I began this morning looking at some old posts from birthdays. My first on this site was when I was 31; so that means this little garden I till, and more often than not these days, neglect, has been going for 14 years. It truly is like an old friend and looking back; my younger self also seems like a friend - hopeful, innocent, unaware of the incredible blessings and painful moments that would lie ahead.
Here we are. I know pain and blessings will continue. The bumps, bruises, highs and lows are a sign that I am alive. Never perfect but always trying. I am so eternally grateful for the wonderful 45 years I have had and can only pray that they continue.
"So please, just fight for the things that crack light into your life, fight for the things that soften you. Protect the people you love, leave them better than you found them. Defend your heart, do whatever it takes to keep it open despite what it has been through. Forgive, not just others, but yourself, as well. Slow down - taste, and touch, and feel and care. Create the things you want to see in this world, stay as curious as possible. Honor your joy, do not shy away from the good that is trying to reach you - do not convince yourself that you are unworthy of it. Be strong enough to be gentle. Be brave enough to break. Be all that you are. Be all that you are. - Bianca Sparacino
