Happy Monday!

Although every Monday is special (it signifies the blessing of a fresh, new week), today is particularly exciting because it’s the start of my birthday week! Although my birthday is not until Saturday (Nov. 5), I want to begin celebrating by dedicating this week to shedding light on the not-always-happy birthdays we experience. To commence the birthday celebrations, I will be posting each day this week about having a positive attitude when turning a new age and embracing the blessing of growing older and, hopefully, wiser.

“Happy Birthday!” You hear that every time your special day rolls around, don’t ya? But, unfortunately, not all people are actually happy about their birthdays. Some complain and grumble about getting “old” and are unable to celebrate fully because they choose to see the glass half empty. As growing older is something completely out of our control, we must have a positive attitude in order to  make the most out of every situation. Remember, life is what you make of it, no matter the rising number on your age.

To start off “Birthday Week” on my blog, here is the first great reason why you should be thankful, happy, and optimistic every time another birthday rolls around:

1) Congrats! You’ve made it another year! My mom, one of the most positive influences in my life, had a “TGIF” party this past year to celebrate her birthday. TGIF standing for “Thank God I’m Fifty!” She was thrilled to turn fifty, and was so thankful that she had made it this far in life- half a century! When I saw her inspiring attitude towards her new age (which is an age most people dread) I knew that I would follow in her sunny steps and be thankful every time a birthday rolls around. I feel blessed to have lived 21 full years in life and will pay my thanks by welcoming in each new year with arms wide open and with a smile on my face.

Can you imagine how many people have already died that wished they were turning 22? or 45? or even 70? Birthdays are a remind of how precious our lives are and how lucky we are to be blessed with another number on our age. Embrace your new age, celebrate your growing number, and relish in the beauty that your new year holds.

Happy celebrating,

Jordan Brown