Welcome! I hope your trip wasn't too troublesome. Come on in. Make yourself at home. 31 is a fabulous place. All around you will see babies, insurance policies, gray hair, ant-wrinkle cream, and the effects of gravity playing with your joints. Yes, you have made it. Along with all those amenities, some of you staying at 31 will find tons of ambitions revived, a carefree attitude, an anchored self-esteem, and a well defined "you". Keep in mind, 31 does not take any responsibility for any of your attempts of reclaiming the 20's. Watch "Hills" at your own risk. Yes, 31 can be fun. You have arrived. If you should need anything during your stay at 31, please do not hesitate to ask. We have fully stocked your ipod with tons of youthful music.
Sincerely,
30.
Yes, a few days ago I turned 31. I wasn't looking for a birthday celebration or gifts. Given the craziness most of my friends and family have endured as a result of Hurricane Ike, a birthday celebration was the last thing on my mind. In case you have not followed Ike; it is crazy! I cannot believe so many Houstonians and Galveston are still in such horrible conditions. Not to mention, the stories of looting, blackout, and little food. God Bless the Gulf Coast.
Somehow, someway, a natural disaster brought some of my favorite people to my home in Dallas, Texas, on my birthday no less.
A few weeks ago, the usual friends and family, started to ask what I wanted for my 31st bday or if I was going to celebrate. I assured them, this year, like last year was going to spent in contemplation and charity. A practice I started on my 28th bday. (this is in no attempts to preach) I was no longer going to accept gifts of any kind from anyone on my birthday. This birthday fell during the Islamic Month of Ramadan. A holy month for Muslims who observe fasting from food and drink from sun-up to sun-down for 30 days. It is a month to reflect on the blessings we have, by practicing charity, keeping fasts and reviving our Islamic Spirit. Along with prayers and reciting our Holy book. Yes, I am a Muslim. A peace loving Muslim, born and raised in America. A Belated Ramadan Mubarak to my Muslim Friends. :)
So this year, I told my Sister, my Husband and my friends; If you really want to get me something, then do this: "Go out and donate to a charity of your choice on my birthday." The whole Pay it forward, recycle the good Karma, give and get more concept. I was so happy that everyone did that. We all got the good blessings for that. Any charity given during the month of Ramadan counts multiple times. If I am not mistaken, then 40 times. (Not sure exactly;)
So then came Ike. My home became an abode for loved ones, who were left without power during the aftermath of Ike. It all kind of turned into a Iftaar Party. (Iftaar party is a party that you have to celebrate the end of a fast.)
Which then turned into a Bday party with cake and balloons. And those dear ones, who I asked NOT to get me anything, still did. They donated and they gifted. Wonderful people.
I must say, for not wanting anything, sincerely not wanting anything, to make a statement on charity, I was blessed with tons of goodies. I'm not one to talk about what those are.
I really hope this blog is not starting to sound too mememe. I guess its hard to be modest when you're blogging about your birthday. Ugh. Anyways.
So yes I am here at 31. I am alive, with my health. I am alive, with my loved ones. I am alive and with freedom and choice. I am 31. It's not 21. It's better. I got myself a gift though. A new lease on life. What does that mean, you say? Well, its an internal message, I hope to share one day here publicly.
I no longer feel the need to explain why or where I am at in my life. That's a plus. When people ask me about my plans, goals or babies; I say, there is a "Time and a place for everything." I actually believe it when I say it.
That's good. Although, some people are just nosy and should really brush up on their social etiquette..ahem.
There are few things I realized that I really wanted from life at the cusp of 31. One is to actually put action behind my sincere need to help the less fortunate. I think if I aligned with the right people this year or the next year, I might be able to actually go out and do some relief work. My Husband and I have talked about this before we got married. We really wanted to do our part and get our hands dirty and help people at a core level. Two years into our marriage, work and projects have kept us tied up. Hopefully, we will move ahead on this goal. I would love to donate my time to an Orphanage. I have a real connection with Orphans. I just can't imagine a child growing up without parents. Since, we don't have children right now, we might be able to go out and help a school or project. Who knows. The intent is there.
The other thing I want from 31 is to further de-clutter my life. Rid myself of toxins and toxic people. With that shedding, I hope to document more of my thoughts and get some things stamped, "completed."
I do know the next year of my life is full of exciting change. I look forward to it with open arms. I am less hard on myself. I am more accepting of my feelings. Sounds mumbo-jumbo right? well..
Someone asked me what my birthday "plan" was. I said, "To be a better Human." In all respects. Physically, emotionally, and Spiritually. Then they asked what my birthday wish was. I said, "To have everyone's birthday wishes come true."
Go ahead and puke. You have my permission. I think, there is one thing for sure, I am more mushy at 31.
-Farida
