Birthday Blues or Brights ~ Riding into 35 My 35th birthday is drawing near, Mid~life crises or celebration! Which way do I look at it? I recall, as a child� Pondering the year 2000! When I would be 34 My, how old I thought that was, back then� Expecting to be married, for sure. With two point something children? White picket fence, Surrounding my pretty little cottage, And playful dog, in the backyard. But that�s not where I am. Instead, I�m a lot richer, than I ever imagined. Not financially, but in friendship I�m a lot smarter, than I ever dreamed possible? Not academically, but personally. I look back, over the past five years. In my conscious decision, To reach a better me. And thanks; to all who are present tonight, I have arrived! Though the journey�s not over yet, I�m surely enjoying the ride� I remember my 30th birthday. So appreciative of my health. Newly~wed, future had just begun, For Andrew and I. There were lessons in life, love, relationships and self, to be taught A humble attitude, in gratitude. I grew so much in my 20�s. Surely my 30 years would be easier, Or so I thought� It wasn�t till my 30�s That I settled in my faith, And felt religiously secure. In my 30�s, is where I learned, About materialism. And how so unimportant it was. It�s where I realized, The cost of a career. Is this where I want to be? So I stopped climbing, the corporate ladder, And I returned to me. In my 30�s, my friendships settled. Life~long buds really started to mean something, to me. And in appreciation, I expressed my love To those I hold close. In my 30�s, I learned the value of family. And it has nothing to do with biological relationships. But whom you click with, And love, unconditionally My 30�s are my self~development years Learning so much Absorbing all I can Reading and teaching myself. This is where I realized, The past had such an influence. I didn�t like the look of my future. So I changed direction� I dictated, where I would go� Instead of letting, the pains of the past, Guide my present. I believe I have found, Happiness at last Real inner peace And being comfortable, with where I am. Though, I never would have got here. Without all of you wonderful people! Without tests, trails, tribulations And seeing, how strong, my faith was I experienced blood, sweat and tears! At times, I just wanted to give up! But then someone would commend my strength And that would inspire me to continue on� I got into health, holistically, Looking after my spirit, mind and body. With some inner guidance, And outward influences� I really started to soar! There were some setbacks, along the path The death of my father Hit me pretty hard. But also, what stands out From my timing in grief Was the amazing support And acts of love You all so generously bestowed upon me. I know, my parents are also appreciative And shining smiles from up above In gratitude for you Pulling me through. Financially, we suffered And some friends helped us out Putting their money, where their mouth is, literally! And we�ll forever be grateful, For you know who you are? Romantically, we were pressured And instead of splitting up! We drew nearer, became closer. And more strongly united! Though, through the journey, We hit some insecurity? So, this path, I used to walk on alone� Continued, with Andrew, by my side. We grew, psychologically, together. Now we can�t imagine? How we ever survived before! But, of course, this growth, was impossible, Without the love, and support, Of you people here. So, this little ditty Is me saying thank-you. For all you are, and all you do, In love, for me, I�ll forever appreciate� So, now I would like to close This poetic presentation, In thanking you all, but individually, Would take me to the middle of next week! So instead, let me thank-you, collectively, Listing your gifts, for clarity� You�ve taught me about charity, generosity, spirit and fun You�ve given me wisdom, and unconditional love You�re passionate, creative and artistic. You have compassionate hearts, loyalty and values. You�re dedicated, determined, disciplined and ambitious. You�ve all been there for me, in so many situations� You�re understanding and empathetic. Trusting and sincere. You give me strength! You encourage and build me up. You care so much! I return this rich, blessing back. Through this poem, of thanks, in growth, I love you all! Thanks for your generous gifts of friendship, And being here to help me celebrate. This poem will stand, In dedication to you all! Throughout the remaining of my 30 years, And way beyond� � Elizabeth 8th July, 2001 "Inspired by the poem I wrote for my 30th birthday 'The Ride - 30 Years In The Making' I decided I wanted to do a similar poem for my 35th birthday. I based this poem on events and influences in my life since my 30th birthday. So I deliberately didn't talk about my 20's in this poem. In my 30's is when I really got into self development in a big way, and that's the main theme of this poem. Along with thanking all of those who've lived, loved and shared, with me, in my 30's. In this poem I have also listed my friends qualities. And these qualities are what I treasure most in other people, and in myself. Enjoy! And thanks to all of those that this poem is written for, you know who you are."