Every year, I do my best to write a birthday blog. Over a month has lapsed since my birthday, and I think that’s a reflection of the whirlwind my life has been.
It seems appropriate to look back each year and take a look at what I’ve learned. Last year was an important year for me; a lot of things in my life cemented themselves into place – while others, worked their way out.
Last year, I grew up in a lot of ways. In other ways, I realized I still have a lot of growing up to do…
In the time period before my birthday, I felt like there was a shift taking place in my world. I saw, felt, heard and learned things in a new way than before.
If I had to describe it, it would be as if you changed your frame of reference for time from seconds ticking on a clock – to the breaths you take. Your world emerges differently…
As I’ve progressed into adulthood, I’ve heard a lot of things said about ‘doing the work’ on yourself in order to heal past traumas and move forward into a new personal era.
Last year, I spent a lot of time doing that ‘work’ with myself. How? Stillness. I learned how to live with the moments that were so silent I felt like I wanted to scream just to bring life to the coldness I felt trapped in.
I learned that those moments aren’t a trap; they’re an opportunity. An opportunity to see things in full color – even the things that aren’t easy to process.
Last year, I cried a lot of tears. I spent a lot of moments asking God for help that always seemed to materialize in some miraculous way.
I learned the importance of putting the cart before the horse…and putting first things first. It meant giving, listening, loving, serving and biting my tongue on more occasions than I can count.
You don’t have to win every battle – you simply need to win the war. Pawns…sometimes losing something is the best way to win.
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One of the more significant changes of the year involved moving into a home. A real home. A place with quiet streets full of kids and parents that invite you to get out of the house.
After decades of living in apartments, condos and townhomes, I couldn’t be happier to finally have a home.
Having a home is an important step for me as a person, man and Father. It offers me a sanctuary that I plan on protecting, cherishing and sharing with the people I love most.
Now, I’m able to open the door and watch Atlas run outside to play in a fenced-in back yard. It’s the perfect environment to ‘frame’ him as I watch him grow into a young man.
What prompted the move? Well, it was time.
After three years of townhome living, I began to feel as if I had reached the space limit for the walls, and my home began to feel like living in a migraine headache.
So, I moved. One 26ft. box truck was filled to capacity…and I said ‘hello’ to one living experience and ‘goodbye’ to another…one that served me well.
When I look around at our house, I see the exact environment where I want to raise Atlas. It’s a place I know we will create many memories and enjoy the best year(s) of our lives…together.
I’m home. We’re home.
This year – my theme is:
“Upward. Onward. Forward.”
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