There’s no easy way to say it…it’s official. I’m a year older.

And with this revolution around the sun came another one. A revolution…INSIDE.

(I know. Super cheesy. I’m sorry.)

I’m over the hump, you see. I’m 43 now and I actually do feel like I climbed reluctantly over a huge hill. 42, according to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams - a tome for living one can REALLY trust, was the year I got all of my ultimate answers for life, you know, it’s whole meaning and what-not.

So before the degradation of my brain cells occur, because, let’s face it, it’s all downhill from here, and since I now know what life is all about, I’ll share with my vast and adoring public (my 8 fans and 3 followers) a bit of my sage wisdom. Just a little, though, because this sacred knowledge is quite powerful and some of you wouldn’t be able to handle all of it or it’d turn you into urban supervillains (I’m lookin at you, Cooper).

Here’s just a teensy bit of what this past annual made me see…

• You can reinvent yourself as many times as you want, however you want to. Just know that when you do, the OLD you is all some people will ever see. You’ll lose some folks you love as you change and that hurt doesn’t go away. You just get better at coping with it.

• Never shirk responsibilities just to assert your rights…take care of both. Both are vital and make for good, healthy adulting, relationships and planetary care. You’ll need one to enjoy the fruits of the other. I’ll let you figure out which should be first. Here’s a hint: Luxuries are a privilege and Mental Health is a ___.

• Honesty is great, but CLARITY is better. Seriously.

• A dear, sweet, ‘love-bomb’ friend of mine just reminded me to appreciate it all. Everything. That little nugget has been helping me with my daily neuroses. If you remember that you won’t have anything or anyone for long, you’ll be more grateful and gracious.

• Embrace being human - a stumbling, bumbling, well-intentioned-but-only gets it right half of the time- human. See your own shit. Yes, I know it’s hard. But find a way to see what messed you up. Trust me. It makes dealing with other humans, with their flaws and failings, a LOT easier.

Well, that’s enough of that.

*raises mimosa flute

Here’s to another year of trying to get it right.

~Tash