Birthday!

Today is a special day. It is the first day of my last year in my forty's.
I am a little anxious about this, but overall, excited. There is something about knowing that 50 is one year away that causes me to experience a deeper motivation to live life to the fullest.

Yesterday, I resigned from my current position. Fifteen months ago I accepted a position with a group of cardiologists in Dallas, thinking that it would be a good move to bring more satisfaction in my work life. Long story short, it did not turn out that way. (I don't think that was even a short story, but bear with me.) Although I met some people that I really liked, and enjoyed working with the doctors in that practice, it just really did not satisfy my desire to learn, to lead, and to make a difference. I have tried hard not to complain, and only a few close friends know how I really felt about my job there and I have prayed fervently (and with others) that God would open the door to an opportunity more suited to my "career goals", for lack of better words.

He answered that prayer! On Wednesday of this week, I accepted a Business Manager Position with an In-patient Rehabilitation Hospital! The facility will open in January, admitting our first (post-acute care) patients. I will start a month before the opening and be part of the preparation from the beginning! My excitement soars at the thought. I will be doing what I love doing and the very best thing - it is only 2.8 miles from my home! Oh, Gracious! No more 45 minute commute (both ways) to work!

There are many things that I would like to accomplish before I turn 50 in one year. And this job change is one of the top on my list.

Some other goals are to increase my running time. I participated in a triathlon this past year and have considered doing it again. The swimming was the most difficult to enjoy, but the running was the most difficult to complete. I love to cycle and can easily ride 15 miles with no trouble, but the other two aspects of being a triathlete are difficult for me. I want to get better.

Odd as it may sound, I want to learn how to cook new things. I love to cook. But I have gotten lazy as my schedule has filled up and my children are growing up. Lately, I have discovered that I experience great satisfaction when preparing a difficult recipe and serving a lovely, specially prepared meal. I want to try new recipes and find a few that I can rely on to be outstanding.

I hope to find ways that will help me age with grace. I will not deny the fact that I am a woman who is middle-age, and certainly do not wish to pretend to look 21 and instead of 49 (and just looking stupid). If you are a friend of mine and see me trying to dress like a teenager at my age - smack me! That just looks ridiculous!

May creativity be one of the results of my more "mature" status.
May love increase; that I might become more able to love unconditionally instead of becoming intolerant.
I hope to be able to laugh at myself more and more, finding humor in the things that some find hard to accept.
I pray that the mistakes I have made and any success I may have will bring wisdom, not regret or pride.
And I hope to experience gratitude as a way of life, acknowledging all the gifts that God has given me in which to enjoy life in all it's abundance!

Happy Birthday to me.

Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained by living a godly life.
~Proverbs 16:31