A mom of one of my martial arts students told me the other day that she was going to miss her son’s martial arts tournament for the first time since they started years ago.
When I asked her why, she told me the most incredible answer.
…Her longtime friend invited her and four others to fly to Seattle, Washington, USA for a birthday party that she was throwing—for herself. And check out the festivities lineup:
- Bingo—because it’s her favorite.
- A potato bar—which included a survey sent ahead of time of which custom topics each attendee wanted.
- Rotating massages—by a masseuse who would give 15-minute sessions.
- A Frownie Buffett—which are facial patches that prevent wrinkles
- And a day floating down the local river—in floaties, while having drinks and casual conversation.
All created and put together by the birthday girl herself.
And I absolutely love this energy. Especially as I reflect on this past year and celebrate my own birthday (which is today…!)
What a joy it is to create joy in your life.
…And what a drag it can be to wait for others to create joy for you.
Some of my absolute favorite memories from this last year have been from experiences I took the initiative to create for myself.
And as I step into 37, this is the kind of energy I want to keep leading my life forward with.
An uncompromising, unapologetic, unwavering drive to live my life as fully as I’m able—without waiting for someone else to invite me or tell me how to do it for me.