“Don’t take life too seriously. You’ll never get out of it alive.” – Elbert Hubbard
It’s April Fools’ Day, however, since I wrote this on the last day of March I’m telling myself it’s a March Journal entry. I mention that only because I didn’t post anything throughout this past month. And yet, it’s been one of my busier months.
I celebrated my 39th birthday on March 3rd. I’ve never been one to make a big deal about birthdays, at least not mine. However, I will admit that this year I did take a moment to pause and reflect on a few things. Since my injury, certain milestones take on more meaning.
On this occasion, I found myself thinking about my age more than any other birthday, including my 16th and 21st. However, my musing wasn’t on the fact that I’m getting older, and a year away from The Big One. Rather, I found myself contemplating the fact that this is the last year I will live in my 30s.
I caught myself wondering how I will define my 30s when I look back on them. After all, almost 70% of them will have been spent wheelchair-bound. When I was in my 20s thinking forward, I certainly never entertained that notion.
And yet, my 30s have been my best decade so far. I’m a different person heading out of the decade then I was entering it. I’d like to think I’m different in a better way. There are several key events I can point to that will always define my 30s. Some good, some not so good, yet all of them important.
Ultimately, though, every birthday serves as a guidepost of how we lived our lives and chose to evolve. If we’re lucky, the birthdays will continue to pile up. And if we’re really lucky our stories will continue to evolve in a way that is purposeful and meaningful.
For those interested, I’ll be speaking at Tri-C Westshore campus tonight (Wednesday, 4/1) at 7 PM. My talk is part of a year-long series entitled, “Year of the Brain.” More details about the event and the ongoing series can be found here:
Cleveland.com – Year of the Brain
Below is a photo of myself with a few students from Roosevelt High School in Kent, Ohio. I spoke to the 11th and 12th graders earlier this month.
As always, thank you for the continued prayers and support!
Stand Strong!
Scott
HI, SCOTT, YOU can be thankful you have had a good decade in your 30’s. I’ve been going over my life a bit…I’m approaching my 92nd year….and am so thankful for the parents I had, a Catholic and a Protestant, both good solid lovers of God…who gave me a Faith, a Faith that has been watered down so much since I was a child. I am sorry for those who did not have that solid beginning and formation we had back then, because it must be harder for them to cope. God is Faithful, He has led me and I was not always following closely, but took some side paths. He helped me see that they were not the correct way, and even shaped my stronger faith. You have been a light to many, an instiration to me too. I thank you, and may your next decade be a crowning achievement.
Happy Belated Birthday Scott!!
Happy belated birthday wishes, Scott! Mine was in March as well. Wish I could say I was still in my 30s, if that’s any consolation:) Look forward to reading your post about the Year of the Brain.
Dear Scott,
God bless you on your 39th birthday. That 70 percent of the years you have spent have been gift from you to all of those who have “walked in your sho
Those are excellent points, Scott. And now you have me thinking about what I want to do with the next year (plus a few months) of my life to close out my 30s also; for myself and for others. And it is an opportune time for reflection. So thank you. One thing is certain, I do hope to be as positive, motivated, and inspiring as you are.
Great post. Have a Happy Easter, Scott. Talk to you soon!
-Hess
God Bless You, Scott, for all that you do and all that you are. You are such an inspiration. I hope you had a wonderful birthday.
Happy, Holy Easter to you and your family.
God Bless You – Mary
You’re awesome Scott! God’s sustaining grace has brought you through a lot. Continuing to pray for you. By the way, Happy Birthday! Stand Strong my friend