“Never underestimate the impact that your mere existence can have on another human being.” –Fred Rogers

I like to think of birthdays as more of a month-long celebration rather than a mere day (hello, Enneagram Type 7 much?!). So as my month of celebrations comes to a close, I am simply sharing what I wrote in my journal on my actual birth date (May 3). It summarizes my sentiments exactly.

So this is 46. This morning I walked to [my favorite neighborhood coffee shop] listening to my Guts & Grace list, rocking out, feeling grateful to be alive. As I sat on the patio waiting for my latte, a father and his elementary-age son walked by. Something about their general demeanor struck me – neither good nor bad – and elicited a curiosity: do they know how loved they are by the Creator? It made me sad to think there’s a possibility that even part of them (or worse, all of them) doubts their purpose, worth, and value.

As I reflect on this last year and birthday today, I am reminded of how full my life is. I have an abundance of love, friends/community, encouragement, support, and resources always available to me. I’m grateful for the recent and ongoing lessons about self-love, true belonging, and the evolution process I’m in to become a more generous, whole-hearted, wise version of Rachel.

My life is incredible. Every day. Even on the days I don’t prefer. So today is simply a day I pause and acknowledge my Creator (and my parents) for the extraordinary life I have.

I wave the banner of love, joy, and freedom and invite everyone to join me under its magical covering.

I celebrate this strange, precious, fragile, beautiful, painful existence that is life. And I say “thank you” for every piece of it.

[Photos: some of my birthday celebrations including my plus one, high school besties, and San Diego amigas.]