HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME <3
Today, I am indulging in slow, soft, small and sweet pleasures as I celebrate another birthday. As I do so, I relish in the gallery of beautiful flowers and music stored in my memory (and devices). Thank you all for your lovely birthday wishes so far; what a good way to enter into a new year of my life.Â
This morning, I journaled 6 questions plus 1 prompt as I reflected on what I would like to carry with me or nurture in this new year/age. These 7 articulations are signposts on the road ahead, which I will use as reminders that âI am worth my own delightâ. For this coming year, I am choosing to refine my rituals of joy and protect my practices of pleasure.
Dance with me through this musical garden below and the joyful chapter ahead. And please, share more music and flowers with meâI am a sucker for that kind of stuff.
And remember, no matter what you have or donât have, we will always love you here.
âmy CĆ©cĆ© (my grandma) to me
Question: What, within and around you, creates and activates a sense of audacious hope and joy? Preserve that wellspring.
Song: Joy Revolution by Raye Zaragoza, MILCK
Question: How do you feel, in your body, when you know that you are aligned and living in purpose? Memorize that feeling.
Song: calm & patient by JhenĂ© AikoÂ
Question: Where, in your being, do you keep a record of all the good that you bring to this world and the goodness that you get to experience? Visit that place, often.
Song: Reason by Karun, Hook, GR!Â
Question: When, over the years of your life so far, did you first encounter a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding? Return to that memory.Â
Song: Telilit by Les Filles de IllighadadÂ
Question: Who, through and beyond all time, continues to show up as a kind, caring and present witness to your lifeâs unfolding? Give thanks for + to those people.
Song: FRIENDS by The CartersÂ
Question: Why, even in the most challenging times, do you choose to say âyesâ to life? Anchor yourself in that conviction.
Song: Loving Me by JanineÂ
Prompt: Today, I remind myself through my practices, thoughts, community, and words that:Â
This too shall pass;
My life is precious;Â
I am because we are;Â
I am worth my own delight.Â
Song: Ubuntu by Sona JobartehÂ
Where life is precious, life is precious.
âRuth Wilson Gilmore