Embracing Change: A Birthday Reflection on Life’s Transitions

As I write this blog entry, I feel a mix of emotions. Today, I turn 44, and I’m excited about this new phase of my life. I’m grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead and the people who surround me, but I’m also struck by the realization that time is relentless in its march forward. The memories of my childhood are fading, and my family’s older generation is slowly moving on to the next phase of their journey.

Growing up in a small town in Brazil, life moved at a snail’s pace. The days were long, filled with playing, daydreaming, and learning. I remember the black & white TV, the big dreams, and the time spent trying to make sense of the world around me.

But as I grow older, time seems to speed up. The days fly by. Suddenly, I was graduating college, then graduate school, and establishing myself as a leader in the field of education. My niece Rita was born. Now, she is attending law school already. These milestones were filled with joy. They also served as reminders that life was steadily moving forward.

Today, I feel a tinge of nostalgia for the fading images of my childhood. Those vivid memories have become more like watercolor paintings. And as they fade, so does an entire generation of my family: my grandparents, my great uncles, and my dear Tio Geraldo. It’s a bittersweet realization, but one that I can’t ignore.

However, with each passing day comes the opportunity to create new memories and forge new bonds. Life is a never-ending cycle of change and growth, and the truth is, I’m excited about what lies ahead. I’m eager to embrace new challenges, such as becoming a licensed therapist, traveling through Europe with my family, publishing a book, and connecting deeper with my core values.

As I celebrate my birthday, I’m filled with gratitude. I’m grateful for the journey that has brought me to this point, for the people I’ve met along the way, and for the lessons I’ve learned. I’m also grateful for the memories alive in my heart, and for the power to create new ones.

Time is relentless, but it’s also a gift. It’s a gift that allows us to grow, to change, and to discover new aspects of ourselves. It’s a gift that connects us to the people who matter most. It’s a gift that we can choose to embrace with open arms and a sense of wonder.

Happy birthday to me! And here’s to embracing the future with joy, gratitude, and renewed openness.