Leveling Up

Today’s my birthday (again) and I’m celebrating by slacking off a bit (in fact, that may be the theme for the entire month of April, we’ll see). I’m also now referring to my advanced age as “leveling up” rather than “getting older”.

Leveling up can provoke all kinds of introspection, but this year what comes to mind are the gifts I’ve given myself since my last trip around the sun. Here are my favorites:

Saying no. To explaining myself to those who are committed to misunderstanding. To the expectations of others. To drama. To busyness. My favorite part? It’s a complete sentence.

A break. I’m learning not to be so demanding of myself. To give myself credit for how far I’ve come. To stop measuring my worth by my productivity. To tell Prudence to take a hike.

Travel. An unforgettable river cruise from Paris along the Seine. And I may have had to cancel a few trips thanks to my unplanned fiasco last summer, but while channeling home plate I consoled myself by booking of a trip down the Douro River in Portugal for this September. I also treated myself to a couple of overnight getaways locally. And as I write this it looks like I’ll be checking out San Juan in May.

Solitude. I’ve embraced my need for lots of it. It’s my only shot at staying sane, and at growing.

Accepting help. Admitting when I need it and asking for it if necessary.

Art. I’m finally getting to the local museums and art venues I’d been saving for “someday”.

Curiosity. I’m developing a habit, helped greatly by staying in the moment, of asking more questions of myself, and listening to the answers. Being more intuitive and spontaneous.

Surrender. I’ve allowed myself to accept some less-than-ideal realities. I’ve put down some baggage. I’ve let go of needing to be liked.

Pilates. It’s expensive. And it often feels like an ass kicking. And I absolutely love the way I feel every time I leave. I’m regaining flexibility and my posture has improved a bit already.

Silence. Seriously limiting all sorts of noise: environmental, others’ opinions, social media, current events. Also practicing not verbalizing every thought or sharing every opinion.

Self-care. Always pretty good at pampering myself, I’ve moved on to tuning in to what I really need and making sure that I get it.

A room of my own. When my nestling launched, I donated her extra furniture and let her room sit for a bit while life unfolded. I ended up with what I’ve dubbed my Creatorium, a beautiful, bright room where I now do most of my writing. My desk faces a window, and I can leave my notes and work in progress scattered about. I’ve added art that inspires me, including a few photographs taken by my favorite creative, the CWP.

Integrity. Consistently keeping my promises to myself. There’s not much that gives me a bigger boost.

A visit from the Mad Dog means I’ve been celebrating all week. Today’s plans include breakfast at my new favorite café with a friend who shares my birthday, and revelry with the CWP tonight. The perfect way to usher in another fabulous year. I’m profoundly grateful for all of it.

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Thanks for reading. What gifts have you given yourself this year?