Pandemic Birthday #32

If 2020 hasn’t taught us anything, it has educated us on the importance of being intentional and purposeful with our time. A few weeks ago I said I wanted to just spend the weekend of my birthday in Atlanta and enjoy all the great and unhealthy foods. My initial intent was to indulge in all of the foods that I was deprived of while living in New Hampshire the last 13 months. Well, a few of my closest friends began to plan an entire “birthday weekend” without my knowledge.

Because I haven’t celebrated my birthday since the age of 12, this was completely new to me! Please know it isn’t for any religious purpose but more so because I celebrate myself and those I love throughout the year. So for me to receive an abundance of attention from many on a single day is an enigma to me within itself. Anyway, my plane dropped at 9:00 in Atlanta’s airport, and immediately we met for late night eats and commemoration. The next day was brunch and early dinner. That evening was celebrated with games of spades, libations and a million and one laughs.

I will say, the intent and purpose that some of my friends put forth in this era of the COVID-19  pandemic was beyond plentiful. The energy in every setting was most positive and energizing. Being able to recharge with those who I know give of themselves and their resources to the world and their respective careers positioned my heart in a perpetual place of gratefulness. When people are willing to give of their most valuable nonrenewable resource- TIME- you have to respect and appreciate them. You can always get back money, but you’ll never be able to get back your time. My Brother Cal reinforced this when he told me to get off social media for the weekend and enjoy myself. The friends who joined me there made it so easy to do that! Again, living in the moment and enjoying the time you have is the very life support that we need for our weakening and socially  dependent spirits.

We should act in purpose and set the intention to be happy and focus on those and the things that make us happy. While I initially intended to have a weekend full of beer,  chicken wings, and other hard fried foods, my friends sought to celebrate me in one of the finest restaurants in ATL. Well, this plane is making its descent into the airport. Check out a few pictures from the dinner we had at Capital Grille. Remember, stay intentional and purposeful with the time you have while you have it!