Milestone

I mentioned, not too long ago, interest in a birthday trip to ATL. Michelle Obama would be there for her book tour, the weather is fall-like this time of year and perfect for a long run, and it’s a city I haven’t explored much of. My partner heard me. He showed up, like really showed up! 



Just about a week ago, Harper brought me a birthday card and gift she and B had been working on. It was my own copy of The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, and a Happy Birthday picture of a plane, a peach, and a pink and purple suitcase (my favorite colors).   




I had otherwise been planning a jaunt from home along the Glacial Drumlin Trail and snack day at H’s school. That would have been great. But Brian has been helping me work on prioritizing myself to maintain balance; time away was earned, needed, permissable. To say I was excited for the weekend was an understatement. B attended to all the details (also needed AND appreciated): flights, hotel accommodations, transportation, entertainment, a fantastic dinner reservation, AND a great run course. Thus my big weekend and big birthday started with a big outing I've been working hard for, my 10-mile run! Brian escorted me to a nearby park, started and ended with me, and met me along the way to offer encouragement amd hydration, all thanks to rentable scooters.  











Time is really a trippy concept. We desire, so greatly, for it to be expedited when we’re young and cling, often desperately, to it as we grow older. Heading into this milestone birthday, this next decade, has been a time of reflection. Much of my recent reading  - see my birthday gift - had helped me recognize not only the value of time, the perspective it gifts you, but also the way it can empower instead of limit you. 




Cheers to 40 years!


Can’t miss UW - MU 🏀


Michelle Obama and Tyler Perry


ATL is beautifully vibrant. 




Fire stations always catch my eye - Daddy’s girl forever 

Midtown made for a great home base! 


I am wiser, stronger, and luckier than I could have imagined I’d be when I was 20 and unable to fathom 40. I know who I am and stand firmly in the space I’ve carved for myself, the world I’ve built through purposeful exploration, trial-and-error, failures, and fortitude, both inborn and earned. 


This next decade is off to a beautiful, perfectly imperfect start! 


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