Grateful to be here for 36 years

I turned 36 today. I feel a bit old, but I am grateful for an amazing life at 36. Unfortunately, not many can say the same and especially today, I am counting my blessings.

I hit the birth lottery and was born in an amazing free country that allowed me to pursue education and my interests in my life. My parents made incredibly sacrifices for me to live the life that I do.

I am surrounded by an amazing wife and son, both of who I love. I have an amazing group of friends that care about me and my wellbeing. I do not know what I did to deserve what I got, but I am grateful and will forever try to contribute to the better of humanity for it.

Admittedly, today was not the most ideal birthdays. I had planned a day of exploring and doing things I love, mostly eating, but I spent a large part of it working and admittedly stressed. Sometimes that’s the way the cookie crumbles. Fortunately, I have an amazing job and I’ll make up for lost time in the future.

It’s not lost on me that age is just a number. At the same time, I am getting older and my time here on earth is limited. Having a kid who just turned 16 months has made me realize that time is moving incredibly fast. The days can be long but the years are short. I should never take my “youth” or my health for granted. My birthday every year is a great reminder that every day here on earth is special.