shoot for the moon and you'll land among stars...

source: Design Divas Gallery

Happy birthday to me...

Yes...it's my birthday today!!

The simple colors & happy design in this photo define how I'm feeling today: "Simply Happy".

And...

To make the photo even more perfect...

the quote on the wall signifies the focus of today's blog post.

You see...

And I'm not "simply happy" because it's my birthday.

There's so much more to it than you might think.

For those who've been following along for some time...

You should know I've been anticipating this "day of reconciliation" for some time now.

Today is the day for me to evaluate...

Evaluate the goals I was able to accomplish on my list of "Before Birthday Goals".

I set out to create a list containing some fun, inspiring goals...which they certainly were.

These goals were to "push" me creatively...and I was pushed.

Many of them would encourage me to step out of my comfort zone...and I was definitely encouraged.

But mostly these goals were to leave me inspired...and I'm on fire!!

I can't begin to tell you about all of the "gifts" that were placed along my path as a direct result from deciding to take this journey.

I originally thought I would be devastated if I didn't accomplish every single goal on my list.

And for awhile, I put intense pressure on myself, especially as my birthday drew closer.

But here we are...

the day of reconciliation...so-to-speak.

I can tell you that I am completely at peace with my accomplishments...

And although I can't stand on a pedestal and announce to the world that I was able to cross off every. single. goal...

The infamous quote in the photo rings so true for me today...

My journey to the moon has certainly landed me among MANY stars...

And I'm sooo enjoying the view right now!!

KEEPING IT REAL

Wouldn't it be funny if I commented that the entire post was a bunch of hogwash and that I'm in the depths of depression for having let myself down for not crossing off every single goal on my list. And that the only reason I said "I am completely at peace with my accomplishments" was to some how justify my sub-par results instead of admitting failure of any kind.

It would be kind of funny....

but it certainly wouldn't be true - and that's keeping it real!

And...

I'd like to say that I'm off for a day of celebrating & pampering.

But...I'm really going to be running around for most of the day accomplishing things in preparation for the baby shower this weekend.

At least I'll be doing the errands "super star-style" since I was able to get my hair done yesterday afternoon...*wink*

And one last thing...

Don't forget to enter my blog giveaway for some BEAUTIFUL designer chocolate-dipped oreos from Sweeties by Kim.

Tomorrow is the last day to enter...don't miss out. (see this post to enter & for more details)