I had a lot of plans for the last birthday year; some came to fruition, others not so much. I’m not going to lie, the exiting birthday year was tough. Lots of deaths, surgery, finding out that my mass was not a cyst but a tumor, and ending with unemployment. So I got lots of practice putting my proverbial “money where my mouth is.” LOLOL!
Despite the last year’s hardships, I’m grateful for love (from family and friends — in real life and online), I’m grateful for relatively good health, I’m grateful for opportunities to continue to grow, and I’m grateful for God’s continued love and provision. I’m looking for a new wind, but until that comes, there’s still much to be grateful for.
As I look forward to a new year, this quote found at Tracey’s embodies who I want to be despite life’s challenging moments:
Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard.
Do not let the pain make you hate.
Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness.
Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.
~ Kurt Vonnegut
I honestly can’t think of a better way to start this new year of life. Cheers! 😀
D'NALI 
I know this is a super late response but thank you all so very much for all your birthday love and wishes. Smooches. ❤
Happy Birthday! 🙂
Cheers to another year love! While the last year may have been riddled with strength-testers, I have faith that this year will bring you nothing but happiness. XO!
Damn. I missed your birthday. I hope you enjoyed it. ❤
P.S. I e-mailed you a while ago; please check when you get a chance.
It’s a strong quote and every time I read it, it touches me so I’m glad you are taking it to heart too.
Happiest of birthday’s to you dear friend, I wish you nothing but the best, you deserve it!
Happy birthday to you! You are amazing, wonderful, kind-hearted, hilariously funny, warm, exemplary and so much more!! Have the best year ahead and be blessed ❤
The happiest of birthdays to you!!! It has been a rough year indeed, with blessings of different forms sprinkled through. Here’s hoping the next year(s) will bring not only blessings in disguise but blessings so wonderfully naked and obvious that you can’t help but shake your head and smile 🙂
From your lips to God’s ears cousin! ❤
Happy Birthday! I hope that this year is packed full of goodness and blessing for you. *hugs*