Another Step Of My Life!

Today was my birthday and I went to work. My husband and my mom both told me I should have taken off. I just see it as an ordinary day. A typical birthday celebration back home in the Philippines would be a relaxed barbecue, cake and ice cream, a nice dinner and presents to open and of course a few drinks with family and friends with karaoke singing... that's it. My mom always made a big deal about all of our birthdays. Now that I'm staying in Norway, my husband Geir has taken over with increasing assistance from our 3 years old son.

Usually, I take the day off from work, sleep in a little and spend the day doing whatever I want, which often means a little self-indulgent shopping. However, this year was different!

It’s amazing how differently people react to their birthdays.

Some want to party. Surround themselves with hordes of people and pay homage to themselves.

Others get depressed thinking they have not done enough with their lives.

I, like many, use my birthday (specially this year) as an opportunity to reflect on my life, to examine the ups and downs, and to remember the people, situations, and experiences in my life that I am so grateful for.

I attribute my success and happiness to many factors. However, gratitude is by far the largest contributor.

Because I take time to give thanks for all the good in my life, I recognize just how big a role things like family, mentors, and friends have played in my success. And this, in turn, helps me to be the very best wife, mother, and friend I possibly can. I owe so much to the people and things that have helped push me forward. So I give as much as I can in return. And this has the happy result of helping me get even more out of life!

Gratitude goes beyond appreciation; it goes beyond the emotional state. When you learn how to become deeply aware of the feelings of gratitude, you’ll find that your body actually reflects the emotion in physical form. Gratitude definitely is a choice, although one that is not always easy to make. But the reason I can make this choice is because of what God has given to me.

As I have taken another step of my life, I am honored to share my gratitude list with you.

Here are the top 10 people/things that I am most grateful for:

1) My husband Geir. I never question his love, loyalty (sometimes... lol), and partnership. He is a rock I cherish (and his good looks don’t hurt!).

2) My son Zander. He gave me the gift of motherhood and unconditional love. The compassion and respect he show to all people fills me with pride.

3) My father. He taught me the value of honesty and hard work.

4) My mother, who always tells me the truth even when it’s not what I want to hear.

5) The mistakes I have made in my life. The lessons I have learned from these missteps have made me a better wife, mother, and friend.

6) Having lived in Norway and experienced its wealth of theaters, museums, fine dining, and amazing views.

7) Living outside the city and being able to walk on the beach every day even though it's very cold. hehehe

8) My mentors and colleagues.

9) Music – especially Lifehouse – which allows my creativity to flourish.

And last, but certainly NOT least…

10) My friends all over the world. Your letters, emails, and comments touch my heart and soul every day and make me strive more.

Thank you so much! Maraming Salamat! Tusen takk!
CHEERS!!! :D