Today I’m celebrating my 50th birthday. 

My dad passed away at the age of 30, and my mom at 56. In a few weeks she would have celebrated her 75th birthday (and not to confuse anyone, I’ve also had a bonus Dad since I was 2.)

Having lived through many painful losses, I’m acutely aware of being grateful to be here, and the importance of living an intentional life.  

I’m grateful for my life, especially my family and friends, the purpose I’ve found through my career, the adventures and experiences that have formed who I have become, and the yearnings and callings that still pull me into the future to explore.

In honor of gratitude, paying attention to the small moments and simple joys, I’d love for you to join me in celebrating my 50th birthday as we play the game, Going on a Picnic. And we’ll share the simple joys that light up our lives.

I’ll frame this in the fashion of the simple joys and pleasures I love, and feel free to swap out your own.  There are no rules in this game!

If you’re comfortable, please share on Facebook or on my blog – I’d love to share together.  And if you’re more comfortable sharing privately, please feel free to send me a private message, text or email. 

I’m grateful that you are in my life, and I’d love for you to come on my picnic.

Please write back:

“We’re going on a picnic and I’m bringing:

Favorite food/drink, favorite book or book you’re enjoying, favorite movie, favorite adventure/place/trip, one thing you’re most looking forward to in the coming year, and words of wisdom you’ve heard/learned.”

This is mine today: (and don’t overthink – some of these are my favorite today, not necessarily everyday)

We’re Going on a Picnic and I’m bringing chicken curry, morning coffee, “Book Lovers” by Emily Henry, “Groundhog Day”, Wellfleet, Cape Cod, traveling to Italy for a conference in 2025.  My words of wisdom I’ll share later below.

Please share yours in the comments below.  I’m excited to go on the picnic with you.

There are more than enough things in life to worry about.  We have so many comparisons and expectations with social media and other pressures. I’m not any measure of perfection.  Women are told a success factor is looking younger than our age.  My face shows all my 50 years and then some.  I’m proud of each line which was well earned, with laughter and worries, love and pain.  

I’m grateful for all I have, and yet my happiest moments are the simplest, dappled sunlight and autumn leaves, breathing in the salty air of the ocean, cuddling and reading with my young child and now grandchild, sushi karaoke nights, Sunday morning snuggles under the blankets – the more I slow down and notice these moments of happiness, the more I feel how much I have to be grateful for.

I no longer press hard on ambitions, and I find purpose and inspiration and excitement in looking forward.  When we were young, we tried everything – sports, drama, writing, dreaming of who we would be.  Our dreams and aspirations don’t end in our 20’s – we are endless dreamers and learners, keep trying new things, risk doing something badly, write the book, take the trip.

I’d love for you to share yours below – thank you for coming on the picnic.