Birthday Confession
52 Candles, 222 Episodes, and an Unquenchable Quest for Living Lucky®
Confession time: As I blow out the representation of 52nd candles on my cupcake tonight, surrounded by the warm glow of family and the joyous chaos of 222 podcast episodes, a tiny, mischievous thought flits across my mind – "Is 40 the new 20?"
Don't get me wrong, the years haven't treated me unkind. The silver streaks weaving through my hair are more badges of honor than signs of wear, each strand whispering tales of laughter, love, and lessons learned. My body, though a touch creakier in the mornings, still carries me on wild adventures—from month-long safaris in Tanzania, 3 day self-development conferences around the US, traveling to meet a client, or putting on mu dancing shoes for a choreographed twirl with Jana. And as for my spirit, well, it burns brighter than ever, fueled by the boundless energy of the Living Lucky® mission.
But that mischievous thought, it lingers. It's a reminder of the cultural narrative that casts aging as a descent into beige predictability, a slow fade from vibrant protagonist to forgettable supporting character in your own life story. It's the voice that whispers, "Shouldn't you be settling down by now? Trading in the adventure for reflection, the dance floor for a comfortable chair overlooking the pool, fire pit, and lake?"
Here's the thing, friends, that voice is a liar. Age is not a prison sentence, it's a library. Every year adds another chapter to your unique book, filled with experiences both triumphant and tear-stained, each one shaping the person you are today. So why, in this library of stories, would we choose to sit in the dusty corner marked "Past Achievements" instead of exploring the vibrant shelves labeled "Unwritten Adventures"?
The truth is, 40 (or 52, or 73!) isn't the new 20. It's something far more remarkable. It's an age where wisdom whispers in your ear, tempering youthful recklessness with seasoned grace. It's an age where you've shed the masks and insecurities, standing confidently in your own skin, flaws and all. It's an age where your passions burn with a steady, focused flame, illuminating the path ahead with clarity and purpose.
And that, my friends, is what Living Lucky® is all about. It's about embracing every chapter in your library, turning birthday candles into torches that light the way forward. It's about silencing the inner critic and amplifying the voice of your authentic self. It's about ditching the "shoulds" and chasing your dreams with the fierce spirit of a kid building sandcastles on the beach.
So tonight, as I celebrate this 52nd revolution around the sun, I raise my glass (probably filled with something decidedly less sugary than birthday cake) to all of you. To the dreamers, the adventurers, the ageless spirits who refuse to be defined by a number. Remember, life is not a race to the finish line, it's a dance floor bathed in golden light. Put on your favorite song, grab your partner (or dance solo if the mood strikes!), and twirl until your heart sings.
Because let's be honest, 40, 52, or whatever glorious age you find yourself at is not the beginning of the end. It's the continuation of an epic adventure. And on this Living Lucky® journey, the best is yet to come.
Now, tell me, what birthday adventure are you about to embark on? Share your dreams, your fears, your outrageous goals in the comments below. Let's raise a toast together, not to the number on the cake, but to the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
P.S. Don't forget to check out episode 222 of the Living Lucky® Podcast, where Jana and I dive deeper into one more discussion about LIFE. TJoin us on the journey. Trust me, you won't want to miss it! (And you’ll also be helping us get to another 100,000 downloads in 2024)
If you would rather give financially to my Birthday Cause, Jana and I fully support Chair The Love and personally delivered just under 500 wheelchairs to people who desperately needed them as a basic form of mobility in 2023. You can support our end of that mission here https://tinyurl.com/livingluckyctl. We’re shooting for 4000 wheelchairs in 2024.
Here's to living lucky, at any age.
Keep Living Lucky®!
Living Lucky® Podcast Co-Host and Chief Birthday Enthusiast
Living Lucky® Podcast
Mid-Life Crisis, Mid-life Awakening, Birthday Adventure, Aging Gracefully, 52 Candles, Podcast Celebration, Living Lucky® Journey, Midlife Adventure, Embracing Aging, Unwritten Adventures, Life's Epic Adventure, Living with Purpose, Ageless Spirit, Birthday Reflections, Chasing Dreams, Jason Shelfer, Living with Passion, Boundless Possibilities, Dreamers and Adventurers, Living Lucky® Mission, Epic Birthday Celebrations, Turning Birthday Candles into Torches, Adventure Awaits, Authentic Living, Dancing Through Life, Wisdom and Grace, Living with Purpose, Living Fully at 52, Birthday Toast, Chair The Love #ChairTheLove
