A birthday list

Today is my birthday. I am an utter fool for birthdays, believing that it's important to move through the world with joy, so taking one day a year to celebrate your own existence is a worthwhile endeavor.


This year, as in other years, on my birthday I'm writing a list of things I am grateful for, one for each year of my life. This year I was moved towards a simpler list, though I think it is no less meaningful; this may be in part because I didn't want to repeat myself too much as those previous lists are still quite valid. In any case, I hope some of these resonate with you.


Thank you world.

1. Love. The opportunity to love and be loved.
2. And like! Distinct and important.
3. And dislike too - the chance to be an adult and work it through.
4. Mistakes. The chance to try again.
5. Taking the last walk with Brother Blue.
6. The sound of wind in trees.
7. The scent of the ocean.
8. The taste and comfort of Red Label tea with milk and honey.
9. The feel of my lover's skin. 
10. Hugging and being hugged.
11. The myriad shapes of clouds.
12. Writing. 
13. Reading.
14. Music. 
15. Especially the Beatles.
16. The occasional wisdom to take the next breath.
17. Kind strangers.
18. Overheard conversations.
19. Trees. And other plants, fungi, lichens. The slow, growing things of the world.
20. Animals. Mammals, fish, insects, all living things. Even mosquitoes who have their place in the world.
21. Good cries.
22. Well-told stories. Both hearing and telling.
23. Museums and the arts in general.
24. Being heard.
25. Wild acts of hope and guerrilla art.
26. Wild places that I will never see.
27. Languages I will never know.
28. Laughing until I can't breath.
29. The opportunity to help others.
30. Working at a problem until I solve it.
31. Or until I ask for help.
32. Forgiveness.
33. Creativity and creation. 
34. Trying and failing and trying again.
35. Work. Financial security.
36. Completing things.
37. My home. 
38. Playing. Kites. Toys. 
39. Cooking.
40. Naps.
41. The sound of my own breath - at night, underwater through SCUBA, in this moment.
42. My body.
43. Life. I am so grateful for this life.

And one for the years to come - I am grateful for you, for the connections I have in this world. Thank you.

Oh, and yes, the little girl at the top of this post is me. I don't know, have I changed that much?

(c)2010 Laura S. Packer