Join the Two Writing Teachers blog for the Slice of Life Challenge.
As I get older, I am learning to appreciate a good laugh, even if it’s at my own expense. I am trying really hard to embrace this getting older thing. My birthday is this week, and I will be 55. There, I said it.
I enjoy listening to podcasts when I am driving, so this weekend on my drive to and from New Orleans, I listened. I will probably forget which exact podcast it was (that happens with age), but I think it was the TED Radio Hour about Time. Anyway, some researcher said that we get happier as we get older. I believe this is true, except, of course, if you get grumpier.
I believe I am happier now than I was ten years ago. My daughters are grown-ups and such delightful grown-ups they are. I am grateful for all that I have in my life, my husband of 34 years, 3 healthy, happy, successful daughters, and a mother-in-law who likes to celebrate birthdays with me in Africa.
My girls think I am hilarious. Mostly because I’m so stupid. The above picture was taken by daughter number 1 after I had taken a failed selfie with daughter number 3. I love how we laugh the same way.
I think it is time for me to embrace happiness. To realize that happiness is precious like gold, like the rainbow, like love.
I wish for you a day (a year, a life) full of laughter. There is no way to watch this scene from Mary Poppins and not laugh. Enjoy!
Reflections on the Teche 
Such a positive slice! Thanks for the smiles and thanks for the laughs this morning. And, happy birthday to you! 🎁🎉
I love double numbers so I love the age you are turning!! Lucky you…I still have 3 years to my double 5 celebration! And you remind me to keep laughing!! Love the video and quote and photo you added too! Thanks for helping me with my wrinkles today!!
Thanks for the reminder, the video, and the last quote- I am working on the wrinkles, so they might as well be in the right places!
Happy Birthday Margaret!!! I LOVE the picture of you and your daughter…such JOY! That’s why I love to laugh! Beautifully positive post!
I love this post from start to finish. The picture of you and your daughter is fabulous and we can all use the reminder to embrace laughter and joy in our lives. Happy Birthday!
“we get happier as we get older”
I think this might be true. I have certainly become more content with myself as I age. I worried about things in my 30’s. By my 40’s. I cared less what other people thought about me. Now, in my early 50’s I am quite content.
Happy birthday Margaret. Your slice is full of wisdom. I’m taking these thoughts with me today.
That picture of you and Katherine makes me smile every time. I’m happy to say I laughed enough with you this summer to know it’s made me a better person. xo
Love that photo so much! Happy birthday!
What an awesome post. I love the photo. You and your daughter look like you are having a wonderful time. Moments like these are precious. I’m glad you’re enjoying them. Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday! Wishing you joy and laughter all throughout your 55th year!
i hope you had a wonderful birthday!
Love and laughter! Hugs to you my friend:)
Thanks, Margaret, I wish you lots of laughter, too. The times with the grand-girls are often filled with it, and I am grateful for that.
Happy Birthday, friend. Always enjoy your wise words.
So the happy birthday gal showed up on my computer as a reminder to celebrate your life. Laughter is a great present to give ourselves. Happy Day to YOU!
You’re so beautiful in this picture, Margaret, but I would never call you stupid! Let’s embrace being 55 together for a few months, and find lot’s of things to laugh about. Sending you hugs!
I do say pretty stupid things, especially when I get around my children. Thanks for the hugs.