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And if we do it right, there's plenty to laugh about, even when we look back on
bumpiest of years. As old saying goes, having a birthday is better than alternative!
If your own birthday doesn't inspire you, look forward to ones celebrated by others. Turn them into an opportunity to play a little birthday mindfulness game.
In spirit of finding a reason for celebrating reflection, I called an old high school friend on his 45th birthday last month.
He was absolutely dumbfounded. We hadn't talked in over ten years, and our last conversation was a quick hello at a class reunion. But I had always remembered his April 8th birthday, so I made a round of phone calls and tracked him down, reaching him at home as he celebrated quietly with a handful of family and friends.
We had a delightful conversation. It made me wonder why I'd never picked up phone to call him in all these years. But then, we all know answer to that--we get busy, and even if we do think of calling, we talk ourselves out of it because it might be, well, weird.
Far from weird, it was heartwarming, affirming, and truly connected us despite fact that our friendship had faded over 25 years ago. At end of our call, Scott said, "I will never forget this as long as I live."
What more can anyone ask of a birthday?
Maya Talisman Frost is a mind masseuse in Portland, Oregon. Through her company, Real-World Mindfulness Training, she offers fun and effective eyes-wide-open alternatives to meditation. To subscribe to her free weekly ezine, the Friday Mind Massage, please visit http://www.MassageyourMind.com.
