WHAT I'VE LEARNED IN 48 YEARS

I've learned the circle of life is truly painful, heart- wrenching, heart-warming and joyous.

I've learned the passage of time doesn't lessen the pain or the memory of loss, yet our hearts continue to beat

reminding us all to honor those we have loved who have passed on by living our lives to our full potential every single

day.

We must laugh again. We must love again, putting one foot in front of the other, having faith our journey thru life here on earth is only preparing us for our final destination when we

get to see the face of God.

I've learned, (although I have always felt), music is what feelings sound like. Music truly is the gateway to someones soul and my soul is speaking to me in tones I have never

heard before.

I've learned in 48 years, unconditional love is mostly about forgiving. It is having complete faith and trust-no matter the sound that escapes our lips-that our actions speak what our

words failed to express.

I've learned, "I'm sorry, forgive me"- is easy to say but changing the action that caused the need to apologise and

ask for forgiveness in the first place...is not. We must journey into unfamiliar territory and become uncomfortable to

achieve growth. God wants so much more for us than we do for ourselves. Living life as God intended is painful at times.

And with pain comes change and growth.

I've learned MY idea of being consistent was revealed to be consistenly IN-consistent in another's eyes. Meaning-

although MY routine was consistent to me-I would change as I pleased to suit my OWN needs and all I was portraying was

a woman who was selfish and spoiled.

Being called on the carpet about that caused my confidence to waiver, my self-esteem took a nose-dive, my ego became bruised and my pride got butt-hurt. Yet, I never lost faith in God or in my ability to love and be compassionate and be kind and be caring. All those things and more I knew I was and could be but had allowed my confidence, self-esteem,

ego and pride to portray to others a woman not living a life of God's will- but one of my own selfish, spoiled intentions.

So...in reflection of what I've learned in 48 years-

The world doesn't stop for my broken heart.

I've got my Mother flowing thru my veins.

Change is as necessary to move forward in life instead of living in a routine, comfortable circle.

The words "I'm sorry-forgive me" MUST be followed by actions that prove that I really am.

True faith strengthens in times of sorrow so I may fully appreciate joy and happiness.

And last but not least-

I unconditionally love a man who absolutely completes me.

I am blessed.

Happy 48th Birthday to me.