he way I look at getting older is different than the average person does. I had recently told a friend that I was going to be 29 next Friday. I was not surprised by what she asked me next. She asked me how I feel about turning 29. My reply wasn’t the typical, “OMG! I’m getting so old!” like you hear people say so often. I feel amazing about it.
I feel this way because I am disabled. I have been this way since birth. It’s all I have known and will know for the rest of my life. When I was born, my mom and I were both given a 5% chance of survival for That is why I look at birthdays and life in general differently because I was given such a little chance. Why not live the best possible life?
I am here, and I do everything in my power to create a life that I can be proud of and make a difference in any way I can. Even though I have a disability, I have accomplished so much in 28 years of life. I can’t wait to see what I can accomplish in the years ahead.
I think if people stopped for a second to truly think about what they have and what they have accomplished in their lives, maybe far more people would not take birthdays for granted. Nor would they take life for granted. Some people aren’t given a chance to live their life the way they want due to the circumstances that they have been forced to be dealt .
To me, life is a gift. Birthdays hold a special meaning. Every memory made is important and the people in my life mean everything to me because they make my life better. They make me better as a person. My life is far from perfect. I have struggles. I have days where I don’t want to work or get out of bed Everyone has their issues. No one is perfect, and if they were, life would be boring. Who wants that?
My point is, if you are reading this right now, and you’re having a hard time with accepting the fact you’re turning whatever age it may be, do not take it for granted at all. Embrace it, and take the time to look back on what you have done, where you’re going and what you have yet to accomplish. Look at your past and all the people that shaped you. Look in the present and see who you have now and how they helped you continue to grow. Don’t forget to actually stop, unplug and smell the roses and just enjoy life. Don’t take anything for granted. Life is not a gift to be wasted. It’s a gift to be lived. Maybe you’re not living the life you pictured for yourself. But it’s a life creating something beautiful. It’s yours, so cherish it, love it, and live it. I know I do.
