Thursday, January 21, 2010

Happy Birthday To Me


I’m officially 36 years old today. As I enter the -- gulp -- second half of my thirties, I find myself feeling especially grateful for the life lessons this decade has taught me so far.

Job-wise, I’ve learned that one of my exes had it right when he said a career isn’t a sprint, it’s a long-distance run. It takes perseverance and hard work to get where you want to be, and to not lose sight of the big picture.

When it comes to friendships, this has been an era of rediscovering that proximity (or lack thereof) has no bearing on the true ties that bind. Many of the friends closest to my heart are geographically the furthest away, yet our bond remains unbreakable.

Of course, no birthday reflecting would be complete without a nod to the trajectory of my love life. It’s been a fabulous, tumultuous and often incongruous ride as a thirtysomething single gal -- but I think, at long last, I’ve finally learned to roll with the punches (okay, or at least try to!). And to laugh about the ups and downs along the way.

It’s nice to feel like I’m not only another year older but, hopefully, a little wiser too. Who could ask for a better birthday present than that?

7 comments:

Hunky Cop said...

Happy Bday Melissa!

heatherk said...

Happy birthday, Mel! I hope you have a fabulous year.

Unknown said...

Melissa, it's Candy, French Santa Barbara fan. It's how I knew you on E&C board and since this time I follow you in "Single Gal In The City", it's a big pleasure, your site is very great and you're a very interesting person. So I'm here to wish you an happy birthday,I hope it will be nice. And you know what, soon me too I will be 36, on October. Kiss and Hug CANDY

Sarah said...

I hope you had a fabulous day!

Simone Grant said...

Happy Belated Birthday. May the next year bring you joy and endless surprises.

Melissa said...

Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone! 36 has been fabulous so far, and I can't wait to see what this year has in store.

Anonymous said...

I'm only a year behind you and I feel it, too. Hope your day was one that left a smile on your face!