36 Years of Living

36 Years of Living

36 years ago, in a hospital in the Air Force town of Altus, Oklahoma, I came kicking and screaming into this world. As my mother held me tightly, the dreams she had for my life were beginning to be realized. With time marching on, I would begin having some say over my own destiny. This dance would deliver me to moments perfectly planned and others I never assumed would be meant for me. With each passing year, the idea of how finite our time is would be cemented in my mind. In an instant, I was pulled from the cosmic darkness and delivered to this world. In another moment, I will be lost to time and space forever.

As I approach the hill that is the middle of my life, I can’t help but think of the time that has passed me by and the time standing before me. It all seems to be going by so fast. Yet, there is still so much to do. Wrestling with these two ideas, I want to take a different approach to this annual letter and try my hand at a list. Below are 36 things I know to be true in celebration of my 36 years of living. I hope you enjoy and can relate to more than a few.

No harm ever came from glancing at the dessert menu.

Call your mom and dad.

Love unconditionally and if you find that impossible, then learn to mind your own business.