Sunday, July 26, 2009

a new year

Yesterday was my birthday. I begin my fortieth year with these wishes from my mother:

How to Make A BEAUTIFUL LIFE--
Reflections For a Daughter On Her Birthday

Love yourself.
MAKE PEACE with who you are
and where you are
at this moment in time.

Listen to your heart.
If you can't hear what it's saying
in this noisy world,
MAKE TIME for yourself.
Enjoy your own company.
Let your mind wander among the stars.

Try.
Take chances.
MAKE MISTAKES.
Life can be messy
and confusing at times,
but it's also full of surprises.
The next rock in your path
might be a stepping-stone.

Be happy.
When you don't have what you want,
want what you have.
MAKE DO.
That's a well-kept secret of contentment.

There aren't any shortcuts to tomorrow.
You have to MAKE YOUR OWN WAY.
To know where you're going
is only part of it.
You need to know where you've been, too.
And if you ever get lost, don't worry.
The people who love you will find you.
Count on it.

Life isn't days and years.
It's what you do with time
and with all the goodness and grace
that's inside you.
MAKE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE...
the kind you deserve.


The people who love me found me this weekend. For that I am immensely grateful.
Thank you, thank you, thank you...

Here's to a new year.

5 comments:

cj said...

Happy Birthday Lorie. :)

Nancy Scott Godfrey said...

Mother to daughter - what an extraordinary relationship you must have! What treasured thoughts she shared! And I'm delighted you posted again. Happy Birthday, Youngun!
NG

Lisa Biggs Crum said...

beginning your 40th year, does that mean you celebrated your 39th birthday?

Beautiful gift from your mom - this poem and the gift of using words for healing and strengthening.

Alan said...

happy anniversary of your 29th birthday ;0) -- Alan M

from the royal fortress meadow said...

We love you-- here's to a good year!
KP