Confucius Say

After eating last night's birthday feast of Chinese food, I suspiciously eyed the traditional cookie, wondering if the fortune inside would be something prophetic for the coming year.

As it turns out, the little white piece of paper held very wise words that I now, being retired, actually have the time to put into practice.

I appreciate this reminder of what has become a mantra of sorts for me after all the years of stress and hustle when, too driven to step off life's ever-speeding treadmill, I didn't take time to delight in the riches all around me.

 I like to think that I am now making up for those lost moments, treasuring the present but also reflecting back to give the many positives in my life the warm mental smiles they never received when I was madly dashing about letting my watch and daily planner control my life. How did I get so caught up in that race without without a finish line?  

And so another birthday has come and gone after being properly celebrated with the warm wishes of family and friends. And Chinese food. Yes, another year gone well. Whew. I am pausing to enjoy it.