Why birthdays get better

especially if you ask this question

Nothing But Blue Skies © Kathryn LeRoy

Hello friends,

You may not believe this, but I don’t like shopping for clothes.

I made an exception this week because today is my birthday, which seemed a legitimate reason to splurge on myself. Taking a deep breath, I ventured off to “the mall” and found something more valuable and memorable than any material object.

I sifted through the rack's bright colors, styles, and sizes as a woman held a dress in front of her asking for my advice.

“Do you think this would look good on me?”

Well, that’s a loaded question. I opted for asking a couple of more questions about the brightly striped embellished dress.

“Are those colors you enjoy wearing? What do you like most about the dress?”

My shopping companion paused for a moment.

“Well, I really don’t know. I love to shop and probably buy too much. I have tons of clothes I never wear once I buy them.”

What I asked next surprised even me.

“But do you love it? If you don’t love it now, how likely will it be that you will wear the dress more than once, if ever?”

Clutching the doomed garment, she took a deep breath.

“Oh, I needed to hear that today. Too often I buy just to buy something.”

I returned to my browsing, and when I turned around, she was gone. I can’t explain why I asked that question, but I began to consider all the choices and decisions we make in a lifetime.

What if we asked ourselves more often, “do I love this?” I thought about growing older. Do I love it?

I remember counting the days until my next birthday. Those milestone years often held special significance. At 13, I felt grown up. Turning 21 signaled adulthood with a life of possibility. By 50, I could hardly believe where the years had gone. Little did I know that so much more lay ahead.

As I passed my seventh decade, I understood that marking time clouded the most important milestone—living life, one glorious day after another. And yes, possibilities still await me every morning.

Thanks to my fellow shopper, I can answer a resounding “Yes!” to this birthday and every one yet to come. When we focus on what we love, at every age, we buy ourselves the most precious gift. A life well lived.

I’m off to play because it is my birthday!

Another Year, Another Moon © Kathryn LeRoy

Today, I also  cherish why garden walks spark joy and remembering.

Want to know your Life Stats? Enter your birthdate on this clever app and discover stats about yourself, and a few surprising ones about the universe.

I created a Spotify playlist of a few of the songs that inspire me to smile, dance, reminisce, and remember I am loved. (You can also access it on You Tube.)

Determine to live life with flair and laughter.
—Maya Angelou

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
—Mary Oliver

Find a little wonder this week, and don’t forget to ask, “Do I love this?”

With gratitude,

Kathryn

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