I’m 49 years old and loving it
Today I will indulge in the joy of celebrating my 49 years. For too long, I have been hard on myself. Others have spilled their negative energy on me. I know it had nothing to do with me. I am a gift to myself and to the Universe . I am a child of God. I do not have to try harder , be better, be perfect , or be anything I am not. My beauty lies in me just as I am each moment. I will celebrate that.
I will take time to pause, reflect and rejoice my accomplishments. For too long, I have listened to admonitions not to feel good about what I have done lest I will fall into the arrogance trap. Celebration is a high form of praise of gratitude to God. To celebrate is to delight in the gift, to show gratitude.
Today, I will also celebrate the lessons from the past and the love and warmth of friends and family. I will continue to enjoy the beauty of others and their connection to me. I will celebrate all that is in my life and all that is good.
I will celebrate me.
( That’s the photo for my high school online yearbook. The yearbook committee required a glamor shot . I don’t know how to emote a glamorous look. I just want to look like myself hence no updo or drastic makeover. )
Filipina mom) and my journey to a "new normal" after the death of 
Happy Happy Birthday Noemi! That was a gorgeous shot! I’ve been reading your blog for some time now and I believe that you do have a lot to celebrate for. Best wishes to you!
Happy Birthday, Ms Noemi! I agree with Toe, 100%. That’s indeed a gorgeous shot. You deserve to celebrate and we thank you for celebrating and sharing it with us. You’ve been an inspiration for me and thank you that. More blessings to you. Best Wishes!
Toe: Thanks for the greeting. With the help of a little retouching, yes it’s a gorgeous shot.
Abbie: Thanks for the kind words. Yes I have every reason to share my blessings to everyone.
The picture is perfect. ^_^ Maligayang Kaarawan po!
wow!happy birthday!with a shot like this one, who needs a glamour shot?carpe diem, noemi, carpe diem!
Happy Happy Birthday! That’s one fabulous shot.:-) Just like the rest, I’ve been a constant visitor of your blogspot, and as I’m going through some grief process myself, you and your journey from grief to recovery have been a source of great inspiration for me to move on and gradually start my “new normal” way of life. Thank you so much for the compassionate words and pieces of advice. Here’s wishing you the best!
Happy Birthday!
Rose: thanks!
Lemon: Thanks. A little makeup can do wonders and learning to smile again helped.
Arlene: Thanks Arlene. Glad I was able to ease a little of your pain. I know the pain can’t be taken away but you’re not alone. I’ve learned to live with the pain. Hope to see you this saturday.
Agree! Agree! What a pretty picture for the birthday girl with the new Mac! Shucks, Golden Girl ka na next year
even MORE reason to celebrate!
Cathy: Thanks Cathy! I can’t wait until I hit 50 and become a prime time woman!
happy birthday, noemi! enjoy the day… no better: enjoy the year! a prelude to an even bigger celebration next year!
Ruth: thanks
I am going to party on my 50th year.
(Here through RBJ)
Happy birthday!!! Your post is so beautiful and the most uplifting and inspiring message I’ve ever come across. It’s so amazing to find women celebrating their lives as they should, when there are others who fear the idea of aging. There’s nothing to fear about life, and you definitely light the way for many people! Here’s a toast to celebrate you! =) Thank you for inspiring me!
Happy Birthday, Noemi! That is indeed one gorgeous shot. Hope I also look good when I hit your age.
Josephine: Nice of you to drop by. I used to fear of aging but because I am a better person today, I am grateful for the lessons that aging has taught me
Niceheart: Thanks. I hope to keep my serenity so it makes me feel young and hopefully look young.
a little late, but happy birthday
Cris: Thanks. it’s never too late.
Hello Noemi, this is late too, but I also wish you a belated Happy Birthday! You were not only gorgeous in your picture, but you are very lovely, both inside and out.
Continue to be our inspiration. Show us how to celebrate, not only our lives, but ourselves
Olga: Thanks for the greeting . I am always a work in progress. So I continue to improve myself everyday of my life.
I wish I can still look that good when I reach that age
Jane: with a little help of makeup and airbrushing , it’s possible.
hi Noemi! even though this is super late, i still want to greet you…happy 49th birthday! you really look awesome in your pic. luckily, i’m here in manila now so i’ll join my dear friend tonette (dugan) in your Art Therapy session. looking forward to meet you in person. have a great year! you’ll be fabulous in your 50th next year. God bless!
Hi Bing. that’s good you’re here for tonette.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Noemi!!! You look beautiful
JMOM; Thanks for the compliment and the greeting