December 10 was Human Rights Day and it was also my birthday. I turned 32; it wasn’t one of those cool numbers that end in zero or five or that warrant a little special planning. Just plain 32. Somehow though, it happened to be one of my most memorable birthdays.
Jarel and I had errands to run, there was time spent with family and friends, I enjoyed good food and there was plenty of laughter. Incredibly kind sentiments were shared on facebook. I reflected on this past year. I thought about how far I have come just as a person in this world; my contribution and my energy. I checked in with my health to determine what to add and what to lessen. And just like that, it hit me…
I am happy. I give love. I am healthy. I am still growing. I have found my passion. I laugh every day. I am not afraid to cry. I can hear my inner voice. I appreciate the sunshine. I am grateful for each person in my life. In fact I am just grateful in general. I try hard. I breathe. I am alive inside. My soul is aglow. My heart beats stronger as each year passes. I think things through. I have forgiven. I have gotten over myself. I listen more. I think I get it.
Happiness is entirely your gig. Your happiness does not depend on anything but you. It’s not conditional to outer circumstances. It’s you in the moment, present, aware of what is good, grateful for the slightest thing and accountable for your well being. I spent years on the futile quest for happiness through external sources…and yet here I am at 32, working slowly at being the kind of person I can be proud of each day; slow and steady. Committed to goodness. Committed to my potential. Committed to giving. Committed to women everywhere.
Happiness is always there for you. It never really goes away. It just waits for the right time…usually when you’re not looking.
Light & Love,
Alicia.
