The mind that is wise mourns less for what age takes away; than what it leaves behind.
– William Wordsworth

Today I officially became one year older. I love how this transformation happens overnight. You go to bed one age and the next day you wake up one year older.

As the grey hairs continue to increase in number I wonder how did I get to be the age I am today. It seems like yesterday my parents were this age and I was much younger. I am supposed to be wiser now than I was all those years ago and yet often I wish I knew then what I know now.

Life happens. You do some great things. You do some stupid things – mistakes – some big and others insignificant in the greater scheme of things. You do some things because you have to. You avoid certain things. You take risks when necessary. You learn a lot about yourself and others along the way. Experience is a great teacher.

One of the best things about getting older has been learning to love me and not caring about what others think. I feel so much freer and confident as a result. There are so many things about growing up that I am so glad to leave behind. For me life keeps getting better with each passing year with one exception – my physical body isn’t as sprightly as I would like it to be.

So as I begin a fresh new year in my life I want to thank everyone that has been a part of my life up to this point. Thank you for being you. Thank you for being there for me through the joys, the sorrows and everything in-between. You all make my life so much richer. You are what life is all about for me.

Manifesto
27. Every day pain is a sign of growing.
31. Every day mend bridges, bury hatchets, say sorry and move on.
43. Every day accept you will make mistakes. Learn from them. They are opportunities in disguise.

I have to say up front, I am not a fan of cats. Yet today I found myself having lunch with some colleagues at the Meow Cafe – a cafe with a definite cat inspired influence. Funnily this seemed an appropriate place for us to meet because it was a bit like herding cats just trying to get the three of us together.

As I looked around at the quirky decor I saw items that were all too familiar to me – the old fashioned radio and television, the formica tables, the vinyl covered chairs, the patterned dinnerware. I wondered if the young waiting staff had any idea what all these items they were surrounded by were. I bet none of them could imagine the excitement of listening to a favourite programme on the radio. How many of them could imagine what it must have been like to see a television for the first time or watch their first ever television programme? I know I’m showing my age but I remember these things so vividly.

As I entered the Meow Cafe today I felt like I had walked into a time machine dating back to my youth. There was however one thing that didn’t fit for me, the gold battery operated waving cats. These cats seemed so out of place but very happy to be there. You simply had to smile as they repeatedly waved at you.

After doing a bit of research I have discovered that in Japanese and Chinese culture these cats are considered lucky and they are meant to bring good fortune, happiness and prosperity. It would appear that the gold coloured cats bring riches and if it is raising its left hand it is inviting customers to the business.

I walked away from my lunch today feeling very satisfied from the delicious food and happy to have caught up with some good people. Thankfully the gold cats at Meow Cafe didn’t affect my allergies. Now that is the kind of cat I can live with.

Manifesto
03. Every day is an opportunity to reflect on the past.
10. Every day connect with somebody.
29. Every day eat, drink, rest, work, exercise, play, love, create for your own good. And the good of others.