Living

Yesterday I officially completed sixty one years of being on this earth. I am indeed fortunate to able to say that. I just learned another childhood schoolmate has passed. The list grows with each passing year. It is a part of life we do not like to think about, but it is reality. I have witnessed many changes over the years. I have also noted those things that remain the same. The passage of time does little to alter anything, the earth ages slowly, but time does alter us all. I believe the goal is to mature and gain wisdom. The collection of knowledge is of little benefit if it is not processed. An understanding of that knowledge is what is required.
It is an amazing thing when you think about it. A review of your life, and a distillation of it can reveal many things. It is not the many mistakes you may have made that is of importance, but rather what you have done right. Those are the things you should grasp onto. Dwelling on past errors or poor choices does nothing to correct them. Embrace what you have seen, in your own life, as those moments of wisdom and build upon them. Petty jealousy or envy gets set aside. When we begin to enjoy those things that are pleasing to others we begin to grow. That is true in childhood and true as adults. When you begin to enjoy and celebrate the accomplishments of others more than your own, you have begun growth. Does not everything that grows take nourishment from another source ? People are no different in that regard. Whether it is nutrition or personal growth that holds true. I find I have been blessed with a rich source of nutrients. My friends and family. That knowledge was reaffirmed yesterday. I received so many birthday wishes and each was sincere. I do not believe one could hope for anything greater than that.
Birthdays are a reminder. They should not be a reminder of the passing years however, they should remind us of life. How fortunate we are to have lived to see another day,to have another opportunity for growth. They should remind us to contribute. Do not take in the years without giving something in return. Share that life with others. We each hold experiences that are of benefit to others. Share them. We can not know the hour of our passing, our lives here are finite. I believe each of us are here for a purpose, fulfill that purpose. Live that life. You know, life isn't about me, it is about us.