ONE MONTH

It has now been one month and one day since my 35th birthday. I've proclaimed this a year of growth. There's already been a tremendous amount of growth in the last year, but my goal is to not allow the growth to stagnate, but continue to grow.

As I reflect on the past month, I have had the wonderful fortune to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends. Six of my dearest friends surrounded me on my birthday, then a week later I went on vacation to visit Lee, Jane and Alexis. I also had lunch with Morgan. These people are at the very core of my closest friends. I'm also blessed by an almost daily conversation with Truvy, without whose loveand friendship I couldn't go on. While I spend a lot of my time alone, as long as I have these people in my life, I can never be lonely.

The last month has found me focusing intensely on spiritual and personal growth. I just finished reading Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now". This book is a MUST read and has given me such a powerful look at spirituality, the way I view my faith and has made me dig deeply on my thoughts. It is definitely NOT just a one time read for me, in fact, it may be a once a month read. The late Randy Pauch’s "Last Lecture" is a must see, as well. It will inspire you beyond words. His battle with terminal cancer and ability to never let the illness define him are awe-inspiring.

In addition to the areas of growth I mentioned above, I'm stepping out of my comfort zone by joining the gay men's chorus. I walked in the first night not knowing a soul, yet, this week, after the second rehearsal I am beginning to feel like it is exactly where I belong. It's a sort of brotherhood, and a wholesome expression of my music abilities and opportunities to grow musically, socially and personally. That surely can't be anything less than a win/win situation.

Here's my confession: Keeping the momentum going is not always easy.
But, I've learned that's totally ok. Hitting brick walls is not always a bad thing. I've learned that is often just a part of the process. Peaks and valleys are just part of the ebb and flow of living. So, I have a day where I don't "feel" any progress or "see" any results. No need to beat myself up over it. That's life, and I'm determined to live it more fully! I strive each day to be present, aware of the Now. I strive to be aware of, and express gratitude each day.