One Year Older (And Better Too)

Last year, Nater chose to finally join us at 1:01 a.m. on my birthday. After several days of regular contractions he came quick and easily into our world. It truly felt like he had waited to come to share my special day with me. That birthday- I didn't do much celebrating- I mostly slept and fed my newborn. This year, however, I got to see what it is really like to have this special day be both of our day. I love it! We already try to make the day magical for the kids, and by default, it becomes magical for me.  I get to spend my birthday reflecting on him (and naturally my other kids). I get to evaluate how we have all grown and changed as a family and I find a renewed joy in having everything I always wanted (home, husband, children, best job in the world).
I had actually begun really pondering and evaluating before my birthday.  I had been reading (in this book) about women who played a role in establishing a group in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that I belong to now, known as Relief Society. I loved the way they were presented. I found myself highlighting word after word and sentence after sentence that described these women. I knew that I wanted to be described this way. I wanted to be more like these women. I wanted to be MORE. I tossed these thoughts around in my head for quite some time. I shared them with my husband and posed the questions of how would he be described, how would he WANT to be described, and how would he describe me. I took in all that he said and added it to the mix of thoughts brewing in my mind. I knew that I wanted to be more of some things and less of others. I wanted to be different and I realized that in order to be different I had to focus on BEING different everyday. Being better everyday. Trying harder and doing more. I had a goal that I wanted to reach and I knew that I could do it! As a birthday present to myself I chose to turn my thoughts into something more, something visual and lasting.

I got on Facebook and invited my friends to describe me. I had such great responses that truly touched my heart. I added these thoughts the the goal and idea brewing in my head. Then I got to work. I made a list of what I want to be. I used punch out letters to spell these characteristics out and I attached them to foam board (until I ran out of adhesive- I bought more and can finish the project soon). Then, I will hang this inspiration board where I can see it every day. I will see it and read it and remember this desire to be more. I will try every day to be more. I will add and change as needed and I will some day be what I want to be. Hopefully, I will be remembered in one or more of the ways that are listed on this board. I hope that by being more like the me I want to be, I will find more happiness and satisfaction in the things I do and the choices I make.

Are you who you want to be?