This week I celebrate another birthday – and can’t believe how quickly this last year seems to have passed. As I turn another year older – I am thankful for another chance to be here – to breathe – to choose my direction – to love and be loved – “Another year older – another reason to be grateful”.

And I do have so much to be grateful for – not least – simply the fact that I am still here to enjoy life – even with the restrictions that old age often does bring with it.

Someone offered these words of advice – which – for me – are well worth noting.

“Do not regret growing older – it is a privilege denied to many” – and that is something I never want to take for granted – as I enter into another year –

“Another year – maybe – another 365 chances – to feel the sunshine on my face – and the earth beneath my feet – to be thankful for every sunrise – and every sunset – that fills my life with colour”.

A chance to continue enjoying the little things in life – for they are the ones that make the big things.

To wake up each morning – able to welcome in another day – to see – feel – hear – touch – and smell – the wonders of nature around me – and be able to give – and receive love – with those who share this life with me.

I love how this quote puts it – “Every birthday is a new page in the book of life – I am – blessed and excited to see what twists and turns this next chapter will bring”.

As I look back over the years – I love seeing how those – ‘twists and turns’ – have changed – not just the things around me – but changed me too.

And so – as I enter another year – I look forward to further growth and change – as I seek to remain open – to new thoughts and ideas – developing the skill of listening to others – and learning from them.

As T.S. Eliot said – “Last year’s words belong to last year’s language – and next year’s words – await another voice”.

Blessings Lois