This week I celebrated my birthday. You all know how much I love birthdays. This was my first birthday since 2008 that I did not have cancer, was preparing for treatment for cancer, or recovering from cancer surgery or radiation. It was a little bittersweet for me because I had to be in Philadelphia for a work meeting. Although I hated being away from my family, I had fun with people I had trained with before, but I also met a new lovely woman who I know I will continue to stay in touch with. For this meeting, my roomate was a beautiful girl who was almost 20 years younger than me. It was great and interesting to get to know her as well as my new friend who is almost 20 years older than me. I loved listening to their stories and perpectives on life, work , family, etc., and what led them to make the decision which led them here.
For this birthday, like every birthday, I looked back at my life and everything I’ve been through and also looked ahead with apprehension. I am comfortable with the decisions I’ve made and the path I’ve taken. There are many things we cannot control, you know, “life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it” (Stephen Covey). We all decide which path we take in each situation, whether it’s which peanut butter to buy, which doctor to choose, which job, etc…what most people don’t want to do many times is take ownership on those decisions. Sometimes we blame the situation or end product of our own decision if it is not what we thought or planned. Looking back, I have made many decisions that I thought I may have regretted but I look at where I am today and I’m content and feel very blessed. I would not have chosen to have cancer, but I did choose to fight it and believe in a positive outcome. Let’s own up to the decisions we’ve made and change our perspective a little, there’s no going back.
Today I wear Bobbi Brown lipstick in Chocolate. It’s actually a soft , creamy medium brown which on me has a hint of a plummy undertone (probably my lips). It’s great for fall and not as dark as it sounds or looks. I chose it because it was my birthday and I love Chocolate (as well as the color).
Anna's Lipstick Journey 
I love that you look back and forward every birthday. I also love that you understand every decision brought you HERE. And isn’t that a wonderful thing to own?
ps…I love chocolate, too.
So happy for you that you were able to celebrate this birthday as you did. Love your perspective, attitude and courage. I’m more of a lip balm kind of woman, but I do love chocolate–especially Dove and Cadbury’s.
Thank you Angela!
There is so much to love about this post. I love that this birthday was celebrated without cancer taking a front row seat. I love that you enjoyed the company of friends, both new and old. And I really love your perspective on ownership and how we are where we are because of the choices we’ve made. Excellent job, as always.
Thank you so much for your kind words!