40 +10

I woke up today, the same as every other day...It's always a good day when I wake up. It started like any other; A cuddle and kiss with my wife and a couple of hungry cats prodding, poking and purring for some breakfast.

Today is a little different though...Today I turned 50 years old. I've been calling it 40 + 10 though...Sounds better; Not much better, but a little.

This image was taken the week of my 40th back in 2010, for some promotional documentation - I added the +10.

I'm not a huge fan of celebrating my birthday but not because the age aspect; I'm a realist and accept the fact I will get older - It will happen to you too, trust me on that.

No, it's because I don't much-enjoy being the centre of attention, I accept gifts awkwardly and hate that happy birthday song with a passion! I also don't really see the point in people feeling obligated to celebrate the day on which I emerged from my mother's womb back in 1970. It doesn't seem interesting enough to solicit a celebratory reaction from others.

It's my birthday though, irrespective of whether I want others to acknowledge and celebrate it or not.

My wife got me a card and wrote some nice things in it and I've received a couple others, some texts and messages also. So far its been fairly low-impact as I don't advertise the fact it's my birthday. We're going to an Indian restaurant for dinner tonight but otherwise it's a typical day.

This morning I took a moment to look back on the last 50 years of life and to think about my achievements, successes and failures. I asked myself what sort of life I have lead, what it looked like and whether I thought it was a good one; Have I rolled it out the best I can, been the best version of myself and created a life I can be proud of. Has it been free from major regrets?

I think the answer is yes.

I have hurt people in my life, myself included. I have done some very bad things that plague me daily, actions and events that have marked me indelibly, and deeply...I've had some monumental failures too. But I still look back on life and feel it hasn't been an overall failure. The contrary in fact.

I've learned a lot in the last 50 years and each failure has prepared me a little better to move forward with more confidence, to be a better version of myself and placed me in a position to better design and create my ideal life.

I'm far from perfect, I know that, and my life has been about as imperfect as life could be, but it is mine and I own it and take responsibility for the past and future. That's what 50 years of life has taught me...When it's all pared down to the core.

The most defining part of my life? The element that has helped shape it, and me? My wife Faith.

We met when I was 17 and I feel that she is the single biggest influence in my life...The reason I am the man I am today. I'm not afraid of death, never have been...But I fear life without her, and cherish every moment we have had together. I'm ok turning 40 + 10 50...As long as she's with me. And she is. 😏

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Tomorrow isn't promised - Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default
_{An original post written by a human
Discord: galenkp#9209} 🇦🇺

_{Note: It is also my brothers birthday today...We were born on the same day, but 9 years apart. Sort of like twins, but not. Cool huh? Unfortunately we are at opposite ends of the planet so can't get together today, but like all good twins we have a connection that operates outside of physical proximity. Something like that anyway.}

_{Don't say happy birthday, send Lego! 😂}