Thankful for twenty-seven years

I woke up on my 27th birthday, and my first thought was “what the crap? Is that sunlight streaming through my window?!”

Not the best way to wake up, I admit, but there’s a reason for that. You see, I have something grand planned for my birthday, but due to weather concerns and scheduling conflicts, I had to re-schedule it. The weather bureau have forecasted thunderstorms for the 28th, so I cancelled my original plan.

Despite my ruined plans, my day turned out nicely. I had a great lunch with my sister and her husband (if ever you find yourself in Melbourne, head on to Kobe Jones over at Docklands. The food is simply fantastic), and got to explore parts of Melbourne that I haven’t seen before.

You see, I got lost. The plan was for me to take the ferry up the river from Williamstown to the City. However, I changed my mind and opted to check a couple of shops and ride the bus home. After shopping for some gifts, I went to the nearest bus stop and found out that it was going to a suburb that I only heard of, but don’t really know where it’s situated. I wasn’t really familiar with Williamstown’s shopping centre; all I know is that the train station is a long walk away so I opted to ride the bus and get off somewhere that looks familiar.

If there’s one thing you should know about me is that I am paranoid. I hardly ever go anywhere unfamiliar without checking the map first. And checking it again. And again. And downloading another version of the map. And studying it with fervor I never showed for my classes in college. So for me, riding a bus bound for a place I don’t know is very terrfying for me.

Surprisingly, I was calm. I actually enjoyed getting lost and finding my way home.

Over the years I’ve come to accept things as they come. I’ve come to believe that there is a reason for everything that happens. I stopped trying to blame my parents, or my schools, or the society I lived in for what I am now. Instead I am thankful because they made me into who I am now.

I have come to appreciate life more. Last Sunday, while I was sitting on the swing at the playground, I felt a sense of peace and being content. Instead of waking up and dreading another year of life, I am happy because I have another life to live.

I’d like to think that I am lucky: I have a family that supports what I like to do and friends who believe in me. No matter how corny that sounds, there’s no other words to express the gratitude I felt for being blessed with this life.