Birthday Reflections

With my birthday coming up this week, it arrives in a familiar coincidental timing with New Year’s Day.  I say that because typically I use both occasions to reflect on the past while focusing on my future.  As I look back with this birthday, I have a sense of pride on the things I’ve accomplished and heed the lessons that experience has taught me as a constant pupil in the classroom of life.  This week I decided to share with you a few lessons learned translate from my childhood.

“When sledding look for the steepest slope.” – As a youth in Michigan, sledding was a staple of the childhood experience.  The most perfect hill was in Spartan Village where my family lived, and the best part was there were different slopes within that one hill.  I always went for the steepest one because it meant I could go faster, even though it was a little scary.  I learned from this thrill seeking joyride to take big risks.  It might be a little scary at first, but with great risk comes great reward, and it could be one of the most thrilling, enjoyable experiences. 

“I want the Mickey Mouse Santa.” – My first trip to Disney World was during Christmas of 1985.  My parents and I entered very early as the gates opened, and left when the park closed to not miss out on a minute there.  Before exiting, my parents asked me if I wanted to get anything to remember the visit.  Yes. I wanted a Mickey Mouse dressed as Santa that I had seen in a gift shop in the morning.  Unfortunately my 5 year old brain was so overwhelmed with Disney happiness that I didn’t know which store I saw it in.  During a frantic search as the park closed, the Mickey I wanted was eventually found.  I took to heart that sometimes the happiness of another person takes patience and giving of yourself.  My parents could have easily given up after the first 5 places, but they kept at it to make me happy.  When you love someone whether it’s familial, romantic or friendly, patience is required, as well as sometimes going out of your way to make them happy even if it isn’t the most convenient of circumstances.

“You can take one toy to church.” – My parents took me to church pretty regularly as a kid and I wasn’t the most stationary of children.  My mom (a child rearing wizard to handle me) figured out that if I had a toy to quietly sit with in my lap, I could easily make it through with no disturbance.  Toys in church? Awesome!  Let’s take them all!  Well, my mom regulated it to one to avoid making the pew look like a Toys ‘R Us exploded.  It was a simple task but every Sunday I focused on making a choice and sticking with my decision.  There was no turning back for a different toy.  I learned to make choices decisively and wisely because I would have to live with them.  I might figure out that I didn’t like the last decision, but I could learn to make a better decision for the next time the opportunity presented itself.  If for some reason it doesn’t, then I could make the best of a bad situation.

“The toothpaste tube isn’t empty, there’s still a little bit left.” – My favorite Looney Tunes Toothpaste was finished.  I didn’t want it to be done because I’d have to borrow my parents’ gross adult one with not the same flavor.  So I kept quiet and when I had to brush my teeth again I squeezed until my little fingers couldn’t squeeze anymore and I made that toothpaste last.  Just when I thought it was over and done, I keep trying, and keep pushing.  It wasn’t over like I thought it was.  I could still be successful and reap the rewards by not giving up.

“That’s so much Ice Cream!” – It was my birthday, and my parents took me to a place in Jackson, MI called the Ice Cream Parlor for my favorite dessert.  This place had an item on their menu called the “Dare to be Great”.  All I knew was that it had more scoops of ice cream than I had fingers and toes.  The server walked out of the kitchen with this item, and as our server got closer my jaw hit the table when it was placed in front of me and my parents sang Happy Birthday.  We attacked that ice cream with a vengeance and I’ll never forget it.  I shared that moment with my parents and we still laugh about how crazy that dessert was.  When it comes to special moments or things that are special to you share it with the ones you care about.  Make a good memory of it even if it seems like a small gesture.  If you share it with those you care about, it will mean that much more.

“Dad we need more acorns.” – The campus of Michigan State University has an abundance of squirrels and Oak trees.  As a child I didn’t fully understand that animals forage, and believed that I needed to help them get food just like my parents gave me food.  My Dad would help me collect acorns to put out by our apartment for the squirrels to have.  A daunting task with him knowing full well the squirrels would be fine, but this was quality time together.  It didn’t cost anything, and great memories were made.  I learned that bonding moments aren’t usually scripted they just spontaneously happen.  It goes back to sharing memories and sharing interests with those that you care about.  Sometimes the most meaningful moments don’t have to be the most expensive, lavish experiences.  Sure sometimes they are, but sometimes it’s just a simple activity that you do together regularly that makes it meaningful.

I look forward to what my 34th year has in store for me.  I’m sure there will be many more lessons and many more memories to be made.  Most importantly though, I’m thankful for the years of life I have had, the people in my life and I anticipate a bright future.