With the exception of my large ego, here are some reasons why I celebrate my life. Is there a reason why you shouldn't have a larger ego? A celebration of self can be from your accomplishments. I am always writing about how to keep yourself in check.
I use the words I and YOU in my column often. I — meaning sharing my experiences — and then you can look at yourself more closely.
Memory
First let me share with you an immediate memory of July 23, 2012.
I was on my way to teach a class. I was sitting on the #48 bus in the Potrero Hill area. I had sat across from an African American woman. She asked me if I was Midgett of Midgett’s Corner. She discussed the different columns she had read and also, the founding of her family after many years. She even told me I had a birthday soon. A happy exchange for both of us.
Celebration
Another year has passed — on August 4, 2012, I was 76 years young.
As we age, our celebrations differ. Since my 60th birthday, when I had a fantastic party, I now spend before noon alone and call that time of day my reflection time. Later I treat myself to my favorite Japanese restaurant or movie.
Remember, there is a difference between being alone and lonely. Trust me — I am not lonely. I am living joyfully within myself.
I retired September 10, 2007, and I am having fun.
In August 2007, my first article was published in this paper. This was a dream come true.
As a youngster I never gave up my dreams, even though my English teacher at Lehman University in New York failed me in English when I wrote a great expository about why I wanted to be a writer. Now that I am working on my third book, he should see me now!
Since May of this year, a publishing house has offered to publish my book. Can it get any better then that? Whoopee! I don't think so (a smile on my face). I am all up into my celebration at this time in my life. Throw in an ego pill and Look out! Here I come.
I resigned after working on a job part time as a relief counselor in a transitional house with clients ages 19 to seniors for 22 years. I am celebrating this new life because I will have more time to focus on my writing life and other books in their draft stages. I'm excited!
Celebration of you
What can you write/share that you have celebrated within the last day, week, month or year?
Do you celebrate life and the appreciation of living? What about family and friends? Do you all come together and celebrate?
Live with joy when possible, because you are responsible to make it happen. Find something to celebrate every day. Your eyesight, walking, breathing and hearing. Stop taking these for granted. To have celebrated 76 years of life on August 4, I am now ready for the next 24 years. I might be ready to be really retired or to sleep, even though the goal is 100.
Mary Midgett is the author of “New York Flavor with a San Francisco Beat.” The San Francisco resident is available to do presentations and seminars on social and family negotiations. She also conducts workshops on parenting, self-esteem and social and intimate relationships. For more information, visit
www.marymidgett.net or send an e-mail
mailto:midgettscorner@aol.com. Midgett can also be viewed on You Tube, “Host for older women’s issues,” at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzXGu4PlrJg.
