Sunday, July 26, 2009

Another year older...another year wiser...right?

I actually think the title of this blog holds some truth for me this year, I do feel a little bit wiser these days. Don't get me wrong, I'm obviously no Dalai Lama or anything, but I do feel that this past year has been a really big learning one for me---not textbook or academic learning---just a whole lot of life, love and relationship learning---the most important kind. And although the process it took to acquire some of my new found wisdom has not always been a pleasant one, I do have to say that I feel like the experiences of this past year have really helped to awaken me to some new ways of thinking--especially about love. A couple of simple quotes that have really hit home for me in the past year are the following;

At one of my best friend's weddings last spring, the groom's mother stood up to give a toast and she ended her toast with the simplest, yet most true statements, she simply said, through all the ups and downs of marriage, to remember one thing above all and that was, "Be kind." I remember thinking that it was such a beautiful thing to say at the moment, but it wasn't until a year later that the truth in that simple statement would ring through for me. I find it a little embarrassing, actually A LOT embarrassing that I don't feel that I had truly taken those words to heart until I was about 26.5---but I suppose it is better to learn the importance of those words a little late than never, right? At any rate, with the events of the past year, these words have been burned into my brain and I am now conciously working to remember to just "Be Kind," whatever the situation--whether I am stressed, in a hurry, talking with someone I disagree with or am upset with. I don't expect any pats on the back for this new effort and to be honest, I feel pretty ignorant to have just had this kindness epiphany this past year, but I will say that I am very happy to have had the epiphany, even if it is a little late---and I am hoping that it will be the kind of lesson that will help me to grow into a better person, a better sister, a better daughter, a better friend, a better partner and maybe even a better mother one day.

Another quote that has struck home for me is from a James Taylor song, "Shower the people you love with love." I think this quote sums up the big lesson I am taking away from year 26. I had to learn it the hard way, but when it comes down to it, I don't regret any of the pain that came along with learning the lessong because when it comes down to it, I can't think of anything more important in the world to learn and really understand.

One thing that my ex-boyfriend really got, was how to support the people that he loved--I really loved this quality of his. I think it's an Italian mafiosa gene or something...haha. While we were together he made me feel like he would always be there to be my biggest advocate no matter what I did. He's a lover by nature and more loyal to the people that he loves than anyone I have ever known. On the other hand, I tend to be more of a fighter--yes for one reason or another, I like to argue and make my point and not always in the nicest of terms. I am still not sure what it is inside of me that drives me to this, but I have made a comittment to myself to be concious of when I start to fall into fighter mode and to work to embrace supportive, loving and loyal qualities instead.

My friends and family have stepped up for me big time this year and I am excited about a year of being able to do the same for all of them!

Okay enough of my rambling about serious life lessons.

On a lighter note, I am happy to report that I had a truly lovely 27th birthday. I have to say I was a little nervous about how I would feel and whether or not "happy" would be a genuine feeling on the day, but I have to say I had many moments of genuine "happy" feelings yesterday and this year more than ever before, I know that I owe these feelings to the love and support of all the wonderful people in my life.

So here is how I spent my day.....

I relished in the peace, strength and balance I find in yoga.

I did what I do best --- Sweat! @ Spin Class.

I drank a BIG cuppa Vanilla Chai tea at my fav. little coffee shop in Palo Alto (full of stanford doctors he he).


I bought fun cards at Paper Source, now in Palo Alto...wahoo! journaled, wrote letters and listened to my favorite tunes...


I got beautiful flowers from beautiful people (thanks Kat and Erik!)

and last but not least, I indulged in BIG BOWLS of ICE CREAM, with people who have been so important to me this year :).

My new "brother" and "sister"! And Carlos in the back, sniffing around for dropped toppings!
Jen, Sierra and I.
Jerikah, Laura, Me, Erik and Kat.

These people have so kindly taken me under their wings in the past 6 months and I am so grateful for each of them! It was a truly happy birthday, having all of the love and support of these people together in one spot yesterday. And to all of the friends and family who called and wished me well from afar, I couldn't be more grateful for the amazing ways you have supported me even though we are separated by hundreds of miles.

Here's to a 27th year full of joy, peace, laughter and love!

Oh and P.S. - Kat is a great photographer and took a lot of fun photos of our evening :).
Check them out here;

Kat's Flickr Photostream

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

your birthday was so fun! another year of being wise! it truly was so fun to meet your "family" - we were saying in the car how much we loved the family dynamics you have with the gurmans.

YAY for you and a birthday and all that has happened in the past year. you can only get older so it's going to get even better and better.

Tanner Blake's Blog for school. said...

Sarah!!! Happy Birthday!!! I feel a little emotional reading this post...well a lot emotional!! I am always so impressed with your perspective on life and your constant willingness to look at yourself and try to improve (even though I think you might be perfect already :))! I am soooo happy that we met and I am so honored to call you my friend.

Cheers to your fantastic birthday celebration! Your "family" is ADORABLE!!!! I loved the recap and I especially loved the vanilla chai while admiring the "scenery"!!! You know the stanford doctors ha ha!

and i think to myself...what a wonderful world said...

Kat, I am so happy that everyone got to meet each other on Saturday! Thanks so much for making my bday extra special! I am wearing my new earrings today!!!

Lisa- Thank you so much for the birthday wishes! I am FAR from perfect, but thanks so much for the encouragement on my personal journey to work towards being a better person! And yes, the chai tea was a highlight!

comfy cozy said...

First, I thought you should know that Sarah quotes always improve my day!! I hereby appoint you the Queen Quoter! :)

I loved both of them, especially the kindness one and the story why it resonated with you. I think you and I are quite a bit alike in this particular area! I feel that it is sorta my second nature to get feisty and speak my mind. It's a trademark of mine, although I must keep in mind that I can do so while still being kind. I like the reminder! Kindness is so good and it's so important to treat others as you'd want to be treated. You know, the golden rule that we've all probably learned as children but somehow forget when we're adults!

And a happy, happy birthday to you! It sounds like a beautiful day and I'm so glad you spent it doing what you enjoy and surrounded by those you love!

and i think to myself...what a wonderful world said...

Oh Sadina, do you have any idea how comforting it is for me to hear that I am not the only one that struggles with my "feisty" side? Thanks so much for sharing and for appointing me Queen Quoter...haha, that makes me smile!