I have a big birthday coming up in two days and I find myself in a reflective mood. I am taking stock of my life and my achievements.

I don't know if it is because it is a big birthday or because of something else. I had many new experiences in the last 12 months. Not the least of which is that I broke my wrist in the summer.  I had never broken a bone before.

I thought I would be healed by now, but three of my fingers are still not 100%.  

A few times last week I found myself filled with sadness. Then the Universe spoke to me and brought me back to my true self. 

I am once again optimistic, excited, and positive about the future. 

The Universe gave me a reality check. It kept putting things in front of me that said "everything is going to be OK! Not to worry," check out these awakenings:

Model Lauren Scruggs the model who walked into a plane propeller

As I felt sad about my fingers not being as they were before I broke my wrist, a story came on TV about a beautiful young model who exited a plane, turned left instead of right and walked right into the propeller. 

It damaged her face, took out one of her eyes, and chopped off her hand. 

It took awhile, but today she is as lovely if not lovelier and has an inspiring spirit with a positive outlook.  

She has adjusted well and says "I have a new perspective."  

As I watched her interview on television a voice said to me "don't worry about your fingers, at least you have your hand."

No arms no legs no problem 

Today as I have done for decades, I watched CBS Sunday Morning, and the Universe showed me another sign.  

The CBS Sunday Morning story included a very special individual.  His name is Nick Vujicic.  

Nick was born with no arms and no legs yet he has overcome that to live a normal and even extraordinary life.  Watch his video below. 

He golfs, he cooks, he skydives, he swims, he is a highly respected motivational speaker.  He is a husband and will soon be a father.

The Universe said to me "Don't worry about your fingers or your painful elbow, you have both arms."

The 104 Year Old Man 

My next sign was a 104 year old man who walks the mall every day for exercise. 

Everyone knows him.  He has been doing this for 12 years.  He hums and sings softly to himself as he does it. 

The Universe whispered "there's lots more to come. Stay tuned, remember to have fun and enjoy the journey." 

What makes us humans view birthdays the way we do? Is it because it reminds us of our own mortality? Is it because society is so youth focused? Is it ego? Or is it simply a time to take stock as I have been doing for the last week? 

I don't know the answer to that.  What I know for sure is that by being still, and listening to the Universe, I am reminded of how blessed I am in this life.  

My story is still being written. I have a lot to learn, and a lot to give.  I plan to do it with grace and continue to remain still so that I can hear the WORD when it comes to me. I live in gratitude.

Live 2013 in authenticity and stretch to achieve your dreams.  They are within your grasp and just waiting for you to reach out and grab them.

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