Celebrating 17,155 days

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Today is my birthday.

Another chapter is added to the storybook of my life.

17,155 days on this earth (please don't do the math)

And being honest, it's only been the last six years or so that I have looked or taken an interest in ME.

The rest of the time, an attitude of "it's just the way it is."

Had been my mantra.

I didn't truly understand what or why things happened repeatedly, so I continued until something happened again.

I've always been a deep thinker, but being honest always felt I was a little weird, as perhaps I saw things differently from others, just never said it out loud.

Afraid to speak out, disagree with anyone or look uncool towards friends and others.

Seeing instilling boundaries or making decisions that make me happy as selfish or rude.

I was having that feeling of fear at voicing an opinion added to male guilt and shame.

Self-help books or speakers on personal development have been around for years (yes, even back then), but they were not cool, and social media was not a tool for their words to get out.

But the main stumbling block was ME, and I was not ready.

I was afraid.

Now, I embrace those feelings that come over me, now that I understand them.

Now, I trust and understand and GO with that feeling inside me from the gut and do not fear it.

Now, I use my choices in how I see fit with my values and beliefs and live and deal with the outcomes; however, they fall.

After traveling to Bali, if I had a euro every time I was asked, "did you find yourself over there" well, I'd probably be able to buy a villa in Bali.

I did not need to find myself, for I am myself, but what I did discover was an even better understanding of myself.

Getting out of my comfort zone was not so scary.

I tried new things and surrounded myself with many people doing the same thing.

Seeing the most beautiful scenery, I've witnessed in my xx years on this earth,

Enjoying life, looking after themselves, being happy.

I was learning something new every single day.

But it does not take going to Bali to do all of this; this is a choice we all have every day we open our eyes.

And it is that phrase "open your eyes," for when we do, we truly see what is happening around us.

We are there, living in that moment.

Wisdom comes with age, they say, but what number is the age of that?

I see people as young as 23/25 sharing their stories and positivity online daily, and some might wonder what they would know about life. So young?

They know plenty, for it is their life, but they know something a lot of people two or three times their age haven't figured out.

How to lose the ego and speak out without fear, shame, or guilt.

They are sharing their story and experiences to help others because if just one person takes something off value from what they share, it will be a success.

In a generation obsessed with social media, these "young" souls spread positivity to those who read or listen.

I embrace this sharing, for it helps educate younger generations about happiness, joy, a feeling created solely by themselves.

An education they may not have witnessed growing up.

Coming from a new voice, a voice they listen to.

Understanding happiness is from within, not about the possessions we own or gifts we receive.

It is about who we spend our time with or not.

It is about finding what gives us that feeling and doing it often.

They are opening an invitation to join them on a hike or a retreat, even if they have to go alone.

They are helping them to discover their voice and how to speak out without fear or judgment if things do not sit right with them.

But also the importance of communication.

Understand their feelings and their thoughts.

These are the teachings I adore.

You see, life does not begin at a certain age. It begins when we decide we want it to start.

And a new chapter does not begin each year.

It begins every day.

How the chapter goes, you are the only one with the power to decide that.

We all have the power and platform to spread this around us; it doesn't have to be on social media.

So my birthday present from you to me, I ask spread some happiness and positivity to someone today.

As always, thanks for reading.

Marcus