Happy Birthday!

Well my friends, last week your girl celebrated another birthday. Yup, I'm inching closer and closer to middle age. Bring it! This last year I learned more about myself. I confronted some of my issues head on. I stepped outside of my box. I grow up some. Before you know it, I'll be completely grown and even more sassy! Watch out!!

The ironic thing is the older I get, the younger I feel. Yes, you read that right. I feel younger than I did ten years ago when I was in my mid-twenties. I'm learning the secret to aging with grace. I found the fountain of youth. Because I'm such a generous person, I'm gonna let you in on the secret...but shhh, let's keep this between us, between friends...we can't go around spilling youthful beans to every Tom, Dick, and Harry that comes our way **wink, wink...**

Darlene's keys for graceful aging (in no particular order):

• Drink plenty of water;
• Vitamin B12;
• Exercise (use you gym membership at least once every three months!!)
• Take a brisk walk at least four times a week...rain or shine;
• Let your hair down...tight ponytails and up-dos all the time can be constricting;
• Pray, pray, pray;
• Serve God;
• Serve others;
• Make time for yourself;
• Don't worry, choose happy;
• Small stuff is small for a reason...don't sweat it;
• Learn that you can't control other people or their actions;
• Control yourself and your actions;
• Smile;
• LOL...crooked teeth and all;
• Release...don't hold on tight to issues that weigh you down, let it out, vent;
• Cry...tears are good for the soul--happy tears or sad tears will do;
• Be a good friend;
• Forgive anyone who hurts you, angers you, or otherwise wrongs you. When we forgive, we let go of extra weight and release the power of God's forgiveness for ourselves;
• Forgive yourself...we're human, imperfect, we mess up...forgive yourself and move on;
• Don't act out guilt. Guilt is a form of punishment. 
• Confess your screw-ups, ask for forgiveness, and do better next time;
• Learn from your mistakes;
• Learn from the mistakes of others;
• Shut up and listen;
• Don't judge others;
• See a need, meet a need;
• Watch Golden Girls (I challenge you to a Golden Girls trivia battle);
• Turn of the T.V. (after you watch Golden Girls);
• Turn up the music;
• Dance...even if you got no rhythm!
• Stop, think, then act;
• Reward yourself;
• Set goals and commit to success;
• Fear not;
• Love everyone...even if you have to love from a distance;
• Collect nature...leaves, sticks, rocks, flowers;
• Get some sun;
• Wear flip-flops.

That's enough to get you started. Begin to incorporate these things in your life then sit back and watch as the years of extra weight and age begin to melt away. 

Here's to a fantabulous year. I look forward to all the good things to come. 

**Disclosure: I'm not a licensed doctor, therapist, or age reversal  specialist. Before you make any drastic changes to your lifestyle, consult with God and your physician.