I turn 45 this week. It is natural to reflect on one’s life when reaching a milestone birthday. I find myself doing exactly that. I am the happiest that I have ever been in my life. I am happy with all aspects of life. My children bring me so much joy, and I love watching them grow. I am blessed with incredible friends. I am financially independent, and I love my employer. Happiness is with me day in and day out. Yes, I get stressed from time to time, but the stresses in my life are good stresses.
I consciously removed the toxic people in my life, and that alone has been a major driver of sustained happiness. I surround myself with a few close friends instead of scores of people that were not truly friends to me. I know my close friends will be there for me, no matter what.
I have also learned to stop worrying about things that I cannot control. I know that life will always have its ups and downs, for example I am pretty sure that tomorrow will be my biggest ever single day loss in the stock market as Russia is set to invade Ukraine this evening. I shall cross that bridge when I get to it, and I look forward to purchasing a few new stocks during the dip. I ride the ups and downs with my desired destination in mind.
I believe that another driver of my happiness is that I know my desired destination. I like working toward my desired destination. When things go wrong, I remind myself that the issues do not stop me from getting where I want to be.
I have a huge day ahead of me tomorrow. I admit that I am a tiny bit nervous, okay a lot nervous, but whatever brings, I will take in stride that includes turning 45 this week.