BEST YEAR EVER!

A friend of mine just turned 30 this week. Along with the virtual balloon bouquet I sent her via Facebook, I sent my wishes & a welcome to the other side. Cuz 30 is a milestone, maybe not as severe of one as 50, but a milestone nonetheless. Despite my troubles {occasional depression, doubts, fears, body falling apart around me} I think my 30s have been very good to me. You become YOU after 30. You're not as concerned with what others think of you; you are more self-assured, more adult, more free to be who you really are. The 30s are when you really come into your own.

So, my welcome to her was meant as more of a "Things are great here. I'm glad you made it." & less of a "Welcome to the dark side. It's all downhill from here." Cuz I don't believe that. I think that every year we manage to exist on this planet ~ in spite of diseases & accidents & all the mean things we do to each other ~ is a fabulous gift, a new & wonderful experience to add to all the things we've already experienced. I believe that we are growing & changing & becoming something new every year, every day, & so every year is an adventure.

Well, that's what I believe when the sun is shining & the birds are singing, & the temperature is balmy with a mild breeze & my pains aren't as strong as yesterday.


But, I digress.


Other people also sent their birthday wishes to Mimi via Facebook. If you're a Facebooker, you know that once you comment on something, you get a notification whenever someone comments after you. It's slightly creepy & more than a little voyeuristic, but that's the way it goes.

One of Mimi's friends, someone I don't know, made this comment: "Hope this is the BEST YEAR EVER!"


Now, I'm sure she was trying to be a loving & supportive friend. I'm sure she thought it was a loving sentiment. I've seen it before ~ you have, too ~ written in birthday cards or in emails.


But, people, really? The average lifespan of a Canadian is 80. If 30 is the BEST YEAR EVER!, that's a lot of years of second best, average living. That's a lot of years of mediocrity. A lot of years to not look forward to.


I'm sure she didn't mean to curse Mimi to a dreary existence. At least I hope she didn't.