“The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” – Brian Herbert
I have two young kids with summer birthdays so I’m well steeped in the high expectations that come with celebrating our entry to this life – gifts, parties, songs, cakes. They are just so darn proud of all the growing up they are doing.
I get it because I’m so proud of them too. The expanded perspectives, vocabulary, abilities, smarts, empathy, and maturity are incredible to watch bloom.
But at some point it switches, doesn’t it?
It goes from birthdays being all about being celebrated for showing up and turns into celebrating that we get to stay. At least, that’s the way that it feels to me as I turn 56 years old today.
I am so grateful that I get to be here to love not only my two beautiful kids but also everyone I can. Sure, there are some people and things that challenge my “love wins” perspective but with each year, I understand more that life doesn’t come wrapped in neat packaging. Also, that there is much to learn when uncovering each unexpected “gift” and all I need to do is find the next right thing to do.
So as I unwrap this year, I try to remember to be proud that somewhere along the way I’ve grown into me. My stubbornness has mellowed into tenacious resilience. My faith has evened out the lows and added gratitude to the highs. I’m so delighted that I’ve gotten to stay another year.
Here’s to the next. Thanks for riding along with me!
P.S. I’m writing this while drinking a cup of tea from the Book of Tea. A perfect gift from my co-host Vicki Atkinson of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter books and authors podcast! Thank you, dear Vicki!
(featured photo is mine of my children)
You can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynneleon/ and Instagram @wynneleon
I host the How to Share podcast, a podcast about how to share anything – to the appropriate audience, with the right permissions, at the most opportune time.
I also co-host the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, an author, creator and storytelling podcast with the amazing Vicki Atkinson.
Surprised By Joy 