Age Reflection

And I just had another birthday...(and sometimes we need to take selfies to mark the occasion.)

I have had so much time to think this year about my life. Despite the busy days, or lack there of, I find my brain lamenting on the fact that I am indeed older.  I am by no means old, but for me I am older than I was once before. Time is beginning to fly.  Perhaps with age we think more deeply and more deliberately about what is happening around us  instead of focusing solely on ourselves.

This year I have watched friends give birth to their first children. I have held their little bodies in awe of the fact that they were actually born and here. I have passed on 'mama wisdom' acquired from those who went before gladly and proudly.

I proudly watched some of my first students  from my school graduate and enter the world of higher education. I look forward to seeing what they become.

 I have watched one of my own gear up for kindergarten in the best ways he knows how. I have seen my youngest speak with such clarity about his life stating, " Mama I am very happy." I stand in awe of my children always. ( Even if some days are harder than others)

I just witnessed a very old friend get married to her best friend. In the back row, I cried. I cried because I was so unequivocally happy that she has found a sense of calm and stability in her life. I also cried because we will never be those camp counselors again but have moved to new territory.

I was able to experience graduation with my peers from our master's program. We all sat sweaty palmed, hearts pounding, laughing nervously at our new expensive, well earned empty bound books awaiting that piece of paper.

I have seen my colleagues embrace their students and very important profession by giving their all with literal blood, sweat, and tears.

I have seen women and men transformed by a powerful combination of sweat, smiles and music.

 I have watched myself change. I am not sure that I like it yet, but we are all works in progress. It takes courage to grow up and change. Change can be petrifying and people sometimes dig their heels in for years in order to' not rock the boat.' That's not me. I always tell my students never to settle. Things are always negotiable and changeable if you put in the work. Sometimes its scary, but that is what makes growing up interesting I guess.