Make a wish
Who doesn’t like a birthday? I love the month of July because it is filled with birthdays, including my own.
I have always enjoyed the ritual of birthdays. My friends often laugh at how excited I get to celebrate becoming another year older (and wiser…I hope).
Birthdays offer an opportunity for self-discovery. It is a chance to ponder the greater meaning of life (don’t worry, I am not going to get philosophical). For me, birthdays signify a new chapter, growth, a fresh start and a moment to reflect back on the year that has been. By blowing out your birthday candles, you are also given the rare chance to make a wish and wish boldly! Your faith in magic can be instantly restored as you are taken back to your childhood in that quaint jiffy.
For me, last year saw a lot of my childhood birthday wishes come to fulfillment. It was a rather eventful year, filled with joyful highlights. It was a year that I truly witnessed magic. The astonishing launch of ‘Charlie’s Adventures…’ saw the realisation of a lifelong dream. I felt I was showered in pixie dust as I was invited to be a special guest at literary events, signed copies of my very own book and was interacting with some of my beloved authors, who truly inspired my dream.
I had also become acquainted with my role as a mother. My daughter and I had developed a beautiful bond and we relished in each other’s company. Watching her flourish as a toddler was spectacular. I discovered I was growing outside my comfort zone on a quest to continuously learn and push my boundaries. Through all of these enchanting moments, I was embracing the very essence of who I am, and that was where the real magic lied.
This year, I almost forgot my birthday (I know, I am only 33, I shouldn’t be experiencing memory loss for another few years). I have been inundated with ‘to-do’ items both personally and professionally, that I had overlooked the single most important day of my life, the day of my birth! As soon as I caught myself forgetting my birthday, I jumped into action and decided it was time to put on my dancing shoes and reconnect with my hard-working soul. I called up two of my dearest friends and we embarked on a night of frivolity. We danced, we laughed, we shared, we indulged and in true fairy tale style, they had returned me home as the clock struck midnight (I am 33, making it to midnight can be a struggle). It was a wonderful evening of celebration with my fondest moment being sitting in my friend’s car listening to Ed Sheeran (the man that started it all with my writing journey….see my very first blog post) until the clock struck 12 so my friends could wish me officially for my birthday. I have amazing friends!
Another moment of pure magic was waking up to the news that ‘Charlie’s Adventures…in Hawaii’ had been shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards. To be shortlisted in the company of such incredible authors was truly magical. An unbelievable birthday wish come true. I am still pinching myself and I am beyond grateful.
Birthdays are momentous occasions and we should treat them as such (please don’t forget your birthday). It is an occasion to rejoice and celebrate with those who truly bring magic to your life. Amongst all the gifts you may receive on your birthday, the truly dazzling ones are those moments that sparkle in pixie dust, the ones you have wished for and that have somehow come true to remind you how great life is (for me this year, being shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards, was just that). When your birthday appears it is time exhale the past, take a deep breath, dream big and make a wish.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
Magical! Charlie’s Adventures…in Hawaii has been shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards. These Awards are truly special with an aim to promote quality Australian books that help children get the best, most literate start in life. A true honour to make this incredible list.
