I'm 52 years-old today. Life has been super life-y this past year. I'm celebrating the good stuff and even the stuff that feels less than good because it's all part of the big, gorgeous, mess.
Yesterday, I went to lunch at my favorite LA-vegan-hippie-woowoo restaurant with my friend Karen. At this place they always ask a "question of the day." It's not an extemporaneous test, thank goodness. The server doesn't wait for an answer, just poses the question. Over the years, I've been asked what inspires me, what I am grateful for, and what do I delight in. It's all kind of ridiculous but I always answer the question in my head, because why not?
Yesterday our server, Cory, tossed off a question that felt deeper than usual. "What is your mission?" he asked. In between lunch and my on-the-house birthday dessert, it suddenly got real at our table. That question felt too deep for a quick one-word answer. I thought about it on the drive home. What was my mission?
Back when I was 46, I celebrated 23 years of sobriety. Because I was 23 years-old at the time I got sober, it meant that on that day at 46, I had been sober for half of my life. A young woman who knew I was celebrating my sobriety that day asked me, "How does it feel to have lived half your life in grace?" Her question took my breath away.
I've decided that my mission will be to live my life in grace. Under that umbrella of grace is love, kindness, forgiveness, patience, acceptance, and gratitude. I will absolutely fail sometimes, but grace will be there, ready to be claimed at each new moment, whenever I'm ready.
I love everything about this post! Happy birthday, my friend!!
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A.
Thank you, Anna! Love you! Xo
DeleteHappy birthday! Being just 3 days behind you in the journey to 5-2, and not particularly introspective myself, I always love your birthday posts. Grace. Mission. Big words fitting for the second act.
ReplyDeleteHappy almost birthday, Kathie! xoxo
DeleteBeautiful ~ I'm in a new phase of life and have been exploring how to maintain my "mission" or if it changes. Approaching 30 years sober,someone once said,"opting for clarity" and I love,"living in grace",I will see how that fits. My mission is helping kids and families. I've known thousands (school counselor/social worker). Bob is one in a million, thanks for sharing his zen-like thoughts! ~Cindy Mann
ReplyDeleteThat's terrific. Thank you, Cindy! xoxo
DeleteCory is a guru.
ReplyDeleteMy life is better because you're in it.
Muwah!! xoxo
DeleteYou are really good at your mission. Thank you for all the grace you give away. Happy birthday. ��
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laurie. xoxo
DeleteHappy birthday! That is a deep question indeed, but in the short encounters we have had, you do exude grace.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leigh Ann! xoxo
DeleteHappy Birthday, Lisa. Here's wishing you a grace-full year. x0 N2
ReplyDeleteThank you!! xoxo
DeleteTo me, you have always lived in grace. That is the perfect word. Happy birthday, my amazing friend. I love and adore you!
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Love you so much!! Xo
DeleteThis is, quite simply, wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, wonderful woman.
Thank you so much, Julie xoxo
DeleteHappy birthday. To live in grace. Perfect. xox
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DeleteHappy Happy Birthday Lisa!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Agnes! ❤️
DeleteI wish the world was all Lisa Page Rosenbergs. Happy birthday, beautiful one. I am so glad to know you and I think if the people I know reflect on me with half the esteem that I feel for you, I have lived life well indeed. xo Love to you, friend.
ReplyDeleteOh, Alexandra. That means the world to me. Thank you so much for your kind words. Love to you. Xo
DeleteHappy birthday, woman of grace. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you , Diptee! oxox
DeleteSuch a beautiful Lady. Inside and out!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Lisa!
Shirley B.
Thanks, Shirley! xoxo
DeleteI missed this yesterday.
ReplyDeleteSo belated Happy Birthday.
I haven't even considered half a lifetime sober because it's a long shot (think 114).
But being sober today is my mission and if by doing so it helps another it is a blessing.
You've got it Uncle Skip! xoxo
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