My meaning of celebration (posted on facebook Feb. 12, 2010)

As I started the day today with daily routines, with the first being to give thanks to our God for all that I have and all the great things that will be, I couldn't give enough thanks to the friends and family that wished me the best and remembered me on my special day.

Being in that state of thankfulness made me remember something that my daughter Emily (the 4th of my 5 children) asked me yesterday. Emily asked me, "Mom, what are you doing for your birthday tomorrow" I answered, "nothing really" and as I paused, a surprised expression emerged from Emily's face but I continued and said, "I really don't feel like doing anything, honestly" I added. Without me being finished with my reply, Emily let out a burst of laughter and yelled, "Oh my God, she really is getting old," as she looked towards Kimberly (my youngest) as Kimberly also laughed.

I laughed with them and then I began giving thought to what Emily had said. You see, for many years I thought celebrating was all about going out to dinner, having some drinks or going to any local club where I could "party hardy" But as years went by, I realized that doing those things did not bring fulfillment to my life, in fact, every time I would go out in the search of something I had no clarity on, I came home even emptier than how I left in the beginning. I must admit that I did in fact enjoy myself but those events never fulfilled my inner being; it didnt nourish the person that lacked knowledge to becoming a person that will leave a legacy on this earth. And with this, I'm not saying that I'm the only person that has the ability to achieve greatness because this ability is in all of us. Every individual is put on this earth to live a life of wealth, health and full abundance. This is not said by me but by the greatest mentors in the world like Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar, Anthony Robbins and too many more to mention, google them up.

Today, I'm happy to say that I have a better, more satisfying definition of celebration. I celebrate everyday and it doesnt have to be a holiday or someone's birthday. My definition of celebration consist of; spending more time with a loved one, telling my children how much I love them, taking the time to talk on the phone for hours to the ones who aren't living with me anymore and also celebrating the breath that I take ever second which keeps me alive. Taking time to myself, enabling myself to find the answers to my life's purpose and remembering how precious life is, that we should not waste one minute of it. Our life here on earth is the gift that God gives to us so we can make the very best of it...what are we going to give God in return?

For those who are still young and dont realize and understand what I'm talking about, its totally ok. I was also once there wearing those uncomfortable shoes, until I went and bought me a better quality, just my size new pair of shoes. These shoes were genuinely custom made to fit my expectations and now I walk on a more secure and a more rewarding path to success and happiness.

For all those who are in my age range, I'm sure you've come to realize how comfortable and satisfying it is to walk on the proper shoes and be on the right track to victory!

And for those who are in my age range and still havent found the right shoes to lead you to walk on the right track. I know you're still probably going around trying on all sorts of shoes but remember, if those havent worked or felt right, you're close to finding the ones that will fit if you just keep pressing forward. Ask yourself, "what is it that I desire in life, what truly motivates me to the point that it brings tears to my eyes?" Don't think about what your kids desire, or husband or anyone else, what do YOU desire in life? Once you asked yourself that question, you will find the answers within your inner being and I'm sure you will find the place that carries the shoes that fit your desires.... and you might realize that the place that you have searched for for so long may be just around the corner. My advice, start reinventing your life now because how Anthony Robbins always says, "Its not how you start your life that counts, its how you end it"

And for those who are not ready, the great Jim Rohn always said "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear." this simply means that everything you need to transform your life will appear like magic as long as you are ready and willing to give yourself the opportunity to live in full satisfaction in every aspect of your life.

I just got a call from my daughter Melissa (my eldest) telling me that she's bringing my grand babies over and you know what, I couldn't ask for a better birthday gift than to spend quality time with the 3 little people I love, cherish and praise more than life itself! Happy Birthday to me!!!