160 – June 9
“I have finally figured out that the purpose of life is to enjoy it.”—Rita Mae Brown
One of the most relaxing times I ever spent was a three-day weekend with Jennifer, a friend of mine. She was a nurse working a hectic, full schedule; I was busy running my bookkeeping service, being an officer of a club, and starting up my workshops. We both were in desperate need of some R&R, so we decided on a getaway with no plans and no schedule—she would come to my house Friday morning and we would drive north.
Friday arrived warm and clear—perfect weather for a drive along the California coast and we found ourselves relaxing almost immediately. We became conscious of enjoying the present moment and began noticing things we had never seen before. We spotted overgrown road off the highway and decided to explore it. The road ended in an isolated beach, with waves gently breaking on the sparkling sand and no sounds but the seagulls overhead. Pleased with our discovery, we took our shoes off and walked on the beach. We didn’t walk feeling like we had to hurry to our next destination, we walked until we felt complete. Ahhh!
It’s also my sister Jane’s birthday – she was born on exactly the same day as me three years later. Then when our youngest sister (and she never lets us forget she’s the youngest) was born on Christmas day three and a half years later, it made sense to our family to celebrate her birthday on June 9th, too. So every June, we have a mini-Christmas with lots of presents and cake and fun!
Years later, someone asked me if I wasn’t unhappy that I didn’t get my very own birthday all to myself. It had never occurred to me! I always thought it was great fun to have a group birthday, and I was sorry for the people who had to celebrate by themselves!
Happiness is all in your perspective, isn’t it?
Today’s Affirmation:
“I have all the time I need to have all the fun I want!”
This photo illustrates how psychically connected the three of us have always been. Our mother died suddenly of a heart attack in 1989, and we tearfully gathered at the family home. The day after mom’s funeral, we joined each other for breakfast and found that without any planning or conversation, we had each dressed in solid white. Happy birthday to me, and my sister Jane and 1/2 birthday to sister Carole! Love you sisters! I am so lucky to have you as my BFFs!!
