Today is my 58th birthday. For the most part it’s like any other day.
Some of what will occur throughout the day I have plans for. Other events will simply occur.
Outwardly today is like any other day.
But on a deeper level this day is different. It is one in which I feel I have more wisdom than in years past.
The wisdom did not come without a price.
It is the wisdom of knowing I really don’t know what life has in store for me. It is the wisdom of knowing the best thing to do is take life as it comes and flow with each day. It is the wisdom of knowing whether something appears to be good or bad it is all part of the tapestry of life. It is the wisdom of knowing my response to what happens is up to me and not the situation.
On an intellectual level I have known this for many years. Yet, it’s one thing to know something intellectually and something completely different to know this in my soul.
Memories serve us
As I woke this morning memories of my birthday three years ago flashed in my mind. It was then, on my 55th birthday, I decided to do something I had thought about doing for many years; train for a marathon. Not as a runner, but as a power walker.
True to my nature, I immediately poured my heart and soul into the training. I loved the feeling of pushing myself in this way.
All in life was great. That is until life had a completely different plan for me.
The shift from “all was great” to life turning completely upside down happened in an instant.
For the next nearly 2 1/2 years I experienced great loss from my father’s passing, incredible exhaustion due to answering a personal calling that required I travel back and forth countless times between my home in Oregon and my mom’s home and bedside in California, my mother’s passing a few short months ago, dealing with some of our animals getting deathly ill and one passing on and other such experiences.
There were times I wondered if I would have the energy to keep up with all that was occurring. Yet, each day I would get up and do what was in front of me. I didn’t have the time or energy to do much else.
The point of power was when I would surrender and ask for the guidance and strength to get through another day.
One day led into the next and the next and the next until here I am three years later incredibly grateful for the depth of knowledge I gained from each and every experience.
Divine intervention at work
As I reflect on the past few years I am in awe that, in spite of my life feeling completely upside down much of the time, there was (and is) a deep level of serenity I experienced when I simply trusted the process.
I am also in awe of the fact my business never floundered. In fact, it grew. I truly believe I was given the right ideas at just the right time to adjust how my business was structured. This allowed me to fully serve my market while taking care of family needs.
I suppose when I was my most vulnerable I was also my most teachable and receptive. This I know to be true; life takes on very deep meaning and joy when we surrender to why we are here.
I would be remiss not to share a bit about how it was possible for me to take so much time to be there for family.
The most important reason is because I knew this was what I was meant to do.
I never asked, “Why is this happening to me.” Rather I would give thanks I was able to be present for what was occurring.
Secondly, my business afforded me the opportunity to do the things that were most important.
However, it wasn’t just having the business that allowed this opportunity. Had I not trusted the guidance I received to structure things the way I did things likely would have turned out very differently.
Our business as a vehicle
The fact is, our businesses are simply a vehicle to touch the lives of those we are meant to. This happens on many levels.
We impact our customers and clients by providing them with products and services to improve their personal and professional lives. We provide for our families in a way they have comfort and safety. We provide for our communities through the donations we make and the time we offer in service. We provide for our animals a life they likely take for granted.
As the prayer of St. Francis so eloquently states, “Lord, make me an instrument.”
What I love most about this prayer is people from all walks of life, many faiths, religions and beliefs find power in it.
My life is incredibly blessed in ways I never would have imagined. To the core of my soul I am grateful for the people who have walked this journey with me and to all those who held me up when I needed it most.
When we surrender to our purpose we are able to more fully do all we came here to do.
I turned 63 last week, so Happy Birthday ( I get it)!!
Happy belated birthday Barry. Enjoy your year. 🙂
Happy belated birthday, Barry.
Happy birthday!
Thanks for sharing what’s in your mind and heart. You truly do have wisdom.
“a deep level of serenity I experienced when I simply trusted the process.” – what a relief to let go and simply trust, eh?
Have a great day!
Peggy
So true Peggy. So true.
It’s my birthday too. The difference is that I have eleven more years of wisdom. I turned 69 today. I so agree with what you’ve written. Very wise indeed!
A bigggggg happy birthday hug being sent your way. Have a wonderful day.
Happy Birthday, MaryJo.
Happy Birthday!
On another note, I really needed to read this success story…we’ve got a lot in common Kathleen!
Thank you Jenni. I really appreciate your comments.
Happy Birthday, Kathleen. It’s amazing the grace that is given to us when we realize that we have a purpose and dedicate ourselves to that purpose. I just celebrated my birthday, as well, and for the first time in my life I realized what a priviledge it is to be alive and what influence we have on so many people. After fighting a battle with cancer all last year and being given only months to live, I never thought I’d see this birthday, but here I am, alive and healed! God is good.
My birthday wish for you is that the Lord will bless your day with love and joy, peace and happiness, and that it will last the whole year through.
Thank you so much Ronnie. I just read a book you may really enjoy. It’s called, Dying to Be Me. I found out about it when reading Wayne Dyer’s newest book – Wishes Fulfilled. It’s an incredible story of an incredible woman.
Kathleen,
Happy birthday.
Thank you for sharing so beautifully and clearly.
I resonate so much, with what you say.
Thank you.
I’ll be 57 on Friday, and just before I opened this post I was sitting here feeling deep, deep gratitude for the wisdom and trust that allows me to show up and be who I am, more and more.
(Which I am coming into the wisdom to know includes and is not limited to doing what I do.)
You are a beacon out there and I appreciate you greatly.
Namaste,
Scout
An early Happy Birthday to you Scout. Thank you for your comments and insights and may you have a truly blessed, fun and great birthday.
Happy Birthday, Scout.
LIFE HAS BEEN GOO TO YOU AND MAY THIS DAY BE SPECIAL AS YOU ENJOY AND SHARE WITH US HOW BLESSED YOU ARE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! CARL
Thank you Carl.
First off, HAPPY , HAPPY, BIRTHDAY Kathleen! This was a great article, and I can truly relate. Although I am not 58, I have experienced similar things that have taught me theses lessons as well. So glad that you trusted in the Lord as your strength, and that your business afforded you the opportunity to care for your mom. May you have an incredibly joyous day today ,and throughout the entire year!!!
Blessings, LauraBeth~
Blessings to you Laura Beth. I know you have traveled the road of intensity that has given you the wisdom to share with others.
I am blessed to call you a friend Kathleen. Thank you for your insight and thank you for your friendship and thank you for being you and not being afraid to let your friends learn from what you are experiencing.
Have a blessed and beautiful day.
Love,
Lauren
Thank you my friend. I appreciate who you are and the wisdom you share. I am so excited to see you in June.
Happy Birthday Kathleen!
I agree that we are here to learn. Knowing something intellectually isn’t enough, and we can’t truly appreciate the world that’s coming without deep, firsthand experiencing.
So true Christine. So true.
Thanks Kathleen for giving us a gift on YOUR special day — and Happy Birthday! Always appreciate your insights and teaching points, and particularly your dedication to making a difference through your work. Looking forward to that fateful day when we cross paths here in outback. 😉
Thank you so much David.
Happy Birthday sweet Kathleen!!! Beautiful article and beautiful person. I wish you much joy and continued success on your journey. I thank you for being a “mentor from a distance” and all that I’ve learned from you. Know you are an inspiration to so many…
Love and blessings,
Anastasia
Thank you so much Anastasia. Today is a wonderful day and I so very much appreciate your comments.
Happy Birthday Kathleen! I’m not yet 58, however I can relate to the premise of wisdom increasing with age, or perhaps it is merely surrendering to the understanding that there is a higher purpose to our lives and that quite often what seem to be insurmountable challenges are merely opportunities for us to become stronger than we already are… without challenges, we would not grow. Strength is a muscle after all.
Thank you for your comments and insights Todd. Much appreciated.
Beautiful and well said. Thanks for sharing. See you in Portland!
Looking forward to seeing you in Portland,
Kathleen,
First of all – HAPPY HAPPY Birthday and secondly – THANK YOU.
I’m sitting here in the process of writing a new program about Conscious Aging and your words were a definite affirmation that I’m on track. Thank you.
I’d love to repost this on my blog – WITH YOUR PERMISSION, tagline and website, of course. May I?
Thanks
Dr. Toni
Midlife Mentor
http://www.midlifemessages.com
Hi Dr. Toni. Thank you for your kind words. Yes! Most definitely feel free to re-post. Thanks for asking.
Kathleen, these are words I needed to hear today. Thank you! I’m curious what kinds of structural changes you made in your business that made such a big difference in being able to handle all these stressors. I’m sure it’s a long story, but would you mind giving us a summary–even a paragraph or 2 would be helpful. Happy trails (and happy birthday!), Judith
Thank you Judith. Actually, I implemented Fixed Term Continuity programs that allowed for sustainable revenues.
Happy Birthday Kathleen and thank you for all you’ve shared and given you’ve been a blessing. I appreciate you.
James…
Thank you James.
Dear Kathleen,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful insights and your personal story. You are an inspiration to me and countless others and I am grateful for your inspiration. Wishing you many more birthdays with bountiful blessings!
with love and gratitude,
Sue
PS. Happy and Blessed Birthday and a Year filled with JOY!
Thanks so much Sue. 🙂
Thanks so much Sue. I appreciate your thoughts.
A very happy and joyful birthday to you, Kathleen!
I haven’t been following you for long. Your blog post truly resonates with me. My parents are in their mid-late 70’s, healthy now but we’ve had our moments… and some of them were moments of fear for me. The recent pain of a pet passing was awful enough and gave me pause…
We truly only have the Divine to get us through whatever life throws at us. The Prayer to St. Francis is one of my favorite songs.
I am just beginning to design my “perfect” business life. In my mid-50’s. Time is running short. Now’s the time. Seize the day. Seize the moment….
Thank you for emptying yourself for us. And, it seems, directly to me.
You are most welcome Dave. Have you heard James Twyman’s version of the song? Absolutely amazing. Thank you for your insights and thoughtfulness.
Happy birthday to an amazing lady, Kathleen! You have helped others like me be better at we can offer the world. Cheers!
Thank you Trish.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHLEEN!! Thank you for your words of wisdom. It’s so true, if we stay in the “present” and do the next important task and let go the Divine will have everything flow with grace and ease. Thanks for all you do for others and letting your Light Shine!
Thanks so much Linda. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.
Well, let me add my good wishes to the many others you already have. Since words and thoughts are “things,” you’ll be showered with good vibes all day long and into your next journey ….
All the best with your health, your animals, your programs, and with even more wisdom you can add you can add to your wonderful spirit.
Thanks so much Britt. Yes, words and thoughts are things. And oh so powerful – one way or another. Thus, we must be aware of our thinking.
Happy birthday Kathleen.
For those of us whose time has come to follow “the path”, the Universe seems to use the old “tried, rinsed and repeated” method of “turning your life upside down” to land you on the right path. It seems you have to go through the wringer to be flushed out at the other end cleansed of all your misconceptions. Several months ago I started a personal blog with “the day my life turned outside down, which led me to review my life in retrospect and wonder “Is Life predetermined? – a search for clues”.
Welcome to the path.
Nano Daemon
Listen Girl ! We should all look this Hot ! Happy Birthday to a super classy lady.
The road for you has been tough in many ways this last few years, yet you have continued to show your core of goodness and be an inspiration. Here’s wishing you a wonderful birthday and the start of an amazing year filled with abundant blessings.
Happy Birthday ( mine is in two days!).
I totally understand and concur with your words and thoughts re the present and in trusting the Divine.
I advise people to manage/control their thinking. Many people do not realize the importance of thougths, words and deeds.
Have fun and enjoy your wisdom!
Joanne Victoria
I turned 60 this week too, the youth of old age, its so nice to hear so much grey haired wisdom,
Happy Birthday, Mary.
🙂
Dear Kathleen,
Happy Birthday!
What a beautiful post so filled with wisdom. Last night I attended a graduation and the speaker spoke most eloquently of celebrating our talents and being of service. Today, I read your words of wisdom which totally resonate with me and feel as if the message was crafted for me. The message from the Universe (for me) is most clear! Thank you so much for all you share with us!
The signs show up at all times and when we are ready we see them. How wonderful they are “appearing” in so many ways.
This is a very moving post, Kathleen. You certainly are realistic about life and understanding of what goes on in it. I so appreciate your outlook on life and its twists and turns. Thank you.
Thanks for your kind words Moreen. I appreciate it.
Kathleen, try one of our family traditions – celebrate your BirthWeek, rather than just your BirthDay. Each day beginning on your BirthDay, give yourself something special. It doesn’t have to be big, just something you have been putting off.
I think that as we experience care giving, we tend to ignore our own personal needs. You know, “Put on your oxygen mask first…”
Thank you for sharing your blessings with us. My intention is to give thanks each day for the many things that I am grateful for, and you reminded me of that.
So true Donna. We must take care of ourselves first. Sadly, it’s not always easy but as we grow and learn it becomes easier.
Happy Birthday, Kathleen. I, too, turned 58 years old this year. It’s not so bad. 🙂 I’m enjoying getting to know you and appreciate your words about your life experiences. Thank you for sharing.
Blanche
58 is awesome!
I agree with what you say but not the summary about surrender. After surrender comes the teachability and practise and the work (which can be a pleasure, it doesn’t have to be grim perseverance). I know you talked about this but it isn’t captured by the idea of surrender for me.
Hope you had a delightful birthday party (or whatever celebration you felt appropriate).
Thanks for you insights Evan. I speak only from my experience and my perspective on this. And yes, there definitely is work involved. We must do the footwork.
Happy Birthday and thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. I pray the Lord will bless you. I, too have lost both of my parents, so I can sympathize with you. It is tough, but somehow God gives us the strength to do what we have to do when we lean on Him. May God bless you, Deborah H. Bateman
Thank you for your kind words Deborah.
Happy Birthday, Kathleen.
Would that I was just 58. You seem to be much smarter than I am and I have a few years on you.
I remember when I thought I knew what it was all about — but things change rapidly. A focus really helps.
Keep feeling smart and confident and you will always find a path that sustains you.
All good wishes,
Myrna Greenhut
Thanks so much Myrna.
Happy Birthday Kathleen. You’re a star. You always give great, clear information and tell it like it is! Have a fantastic day…58?!! You look younger : ) x
Thank you so much Amanda.
Kathleen,
I know I got this yesterday but I was not able to even read it until tonight so please forgive me for being late woth your HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
As I read your post I could not help but think back to the times in the last few years when my Dad, My Mom and my 32 year old daughter passed away.
We were in Italy on the mission field when my daughter passed away and I received a phone call say she wanted me to preach her funeral. That was the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. But, as you said I received the strength I needed from God to get through it.
Due to the fact my Dad and my daughter lost the battle with cancer I am now able to minister to families of people who are suffering from cancer or people who have lost a loved one to cancer in a way I was not able to do before.
I believe that is part of that wisdom you were talking about. I have a couple of years on you so MAYBE I am a LITTLE wiser but, maybe not.
Thank you for your caring heart and desire to touch others in a positive way.
Thank you for sharing this Clyde. Yes, when we most need it we will find the strength if we have the willingness and courage to ask.
Kathleen,
Glad you included the word courage. Especially since the strength does not always come easy nor does it always come in the way we would like for it to come. Spiritual strength comes just like physical strength. You have to exercise the right muscles and the spiritual muscles we have to exercise to get the strength are not the “blessings” muscles, they usually the ones that are related to trials. I have said for many years ; There is no testimony without a test.
Have a blessed and wonderful day,
Dr. Clyde
Hello Kathleen, thank you for sharing your personal story and one that resonates with so many of us. Sitting here in the UK this sunny morning, it feels the world is a smaller place knowing that so many people are in the same emotional space. You reminder of accepting the joy in everyday moments and accepting what is makes such a difference when we hit the tough times of grief and loss in all shapes and forms.
With love
Kate
It is truly amazing how many of us are traveling this path. Until I was in it I had no idea. Then I saw it everywhere. It’s so true that what we focus on will expand. My awareness of a shift in lifestyle was definitely raised as was my compassion for others.
Hi Kathleen,
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY to you! I know what you mean about never knowing what life will throw at you. I went for a 6 month holiday with my mum to Finland last year and we were meant to come home just after Christmas. My mum had a stroke early November and spent 4 months in hospital and is now in a nursing home there. Everything changed in an instant. But it brought my mum and I much closer together, both of us realising how important we were to each other and how grateful we were to still have time to spend together. My mum is 92 years old and I’m 55. Really it has been an amazing gift in so many ways. Thank you for your post!
It’s amazing what can bring us closer to those we love – especially our parents. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your mum.
Hi Kathleen, I turned 58 just 1-week ahead of you. I too went back / forth between SLC and Chicago for my mother. After she passed, within 100 days thereafter, I also lost my sister and two of my favorite 80-something friends who were my BFF’s. On top of that, I was selling a half million dollar home when no one was looking. Because I have been a “roadie”, I found myself doing ALL of this grieving alone, now without a job except for picking up the pieces. I sure can relate to the total exhaustion that accompanies deep GRIEF. Birthday to birthday over the past 1-year, I have lost 85# and am almost back to my ideal weight. I have a air-tight contract on the house and I will cash out in 12-months. AND, I am just starting my internet business and look forward to a thimble full of your success coming my way. THANKS for being so transparent and such a wonderful inspiration to us all Ms. Taurus 1954.
Thank you for sharing this Jane. Sometimes life can sure hand us a lot. Knowing how to balance is so important although not always easy. Be well. And Congratulations on the weight loss.
Happy Birthday Kathleen! I so appreciate your words of wisdom…about life and business. Thanks so much for all you do.
Thanks so much Barb. It will be great to see you in June.
Happy Birthday dear Kathleen-
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post and the wisdom you have won deeply from your experiences. As I am walking this path with you, I salute you for coming out on the other side of loss, stronger, wiser, and filled with so much light.
I’ve been studying what it means to become a dangerous old woman- someone who’s seen lots of life, wears her laugh lines and wisdom proudly, and who knows she is here to speak her truth in service. I love the audio book The Power of the Crone by Clarissa Pinkola Estes and think you would too.
By the way, crone is related to crown, the embodiment of magesty and power…something we grow into, as you have done so beautifully.
Much love to a dear friend.
Yes, a similar path is being traveled Lynne. I have watched you with incredible respect for how you are walking the journey with so much dignity. See you in June.
Love you my friend.
Thank you for sharing your gifts, your inspiration and your honesty. You are an inspiration, they say its not what happens to you, its how you handle it, and you are a shining example of positivity.
Thank you Joy. I appreciate your kind words.
Kathleen, Thank you for your amazing ‘gift from a remarkable woman!’ HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
You honored us with your reflections of your life journey. You so eloquently show us a graceful and grateful path walking toward the ‘golden sunset years.’ I believe that the wisdom we gain and learn to appreciate is the strength behind the inner peace as we age. Your wisdom is still so filled with spunk and youth, I witnessed at NAMS in your keynote speech. Just imagine how many you impact and take along along your path of graceful aging, let’s say 40+ years? What better gift is there to give and you give it so generously as you practice your business and success to serve the larger community.
I am looking forward to seeing you at NAMS soon again and my very BEST WISHES!
Ute, Grandma of six who hears often: “Oma, you are sooo old!” “What do you mean,” I say, “I am ONLY 70!” And, I ran my first marathon at 63, crossed the finish line, but no one was around to clap! (LOL)
What a delightful post you made. Thank you so much. See you at NAMS
Hi Kathleen, and Happy B’Day!
As someone who just had his fifth birthday that begins with a 5 followed by another number, I hear and get you.
Thanks for your wisdom here. It’s nice to know we can be, in the immortal works of the band Chicago, “feelin’ stronger everyday.”
Your Fellow Taurus
~ Jeff
Hey Little Brother. Happy Birthday to you too. Hugs and lotsa love.
Kathleen,
You are one of the most positive and upbeat people on the Internet. Hope your day was as special as you are to all of us.
Connie
Thanks so much Connie.
Joyeux Anniversaire Kathleen! Mieux vaut tard que jamais (Better late than never). Many thanks for having shared your thoughts. Been touched by such words of wisdom. Take care! See you in Portland 🙂
Thanks so much Janice. Looking forward to seeing you too.
Happy Birthday you amazing woman!
Thank you for the heartfelt story and meaningful look into your life.
Even on your birthday, you are giving gifts to others. =)
Sharing your wisdom so that others may benefit is possibly the best gift of all.
Thank you for your kind words Skot. I appreciate it.