I tried not to make a big deal out of it. After all, age is just a number, right? But then I thought about how it’s always a blessing to be a year older.

“It all goes downhill after 40,” an older co-worker told me, laughing.

I laughed with her, too, but unsubscribed to the advertised concept because I choose not to look at aging that way. Either I am in a state of denial, or I am one optimistic idiot.

Could be both.

So at the last minute, I decided to celebrate my birthday. Nothing fancy. A simple dinner with my core group here in Australia — Jeff, El, Raven. The three people I trust with my life. The same ones who were there while I was giving birth to the best birthday present I am always grateful for, day after day, year after year.

Six of Pentacles.

A card that I drew on my birthday. A reminder of how my life has been a product of the universe’s grace and generosity through each and every spirit — past, present, and future — who have blessed me with their time and their heart.

I am forever grateful.

Just as I am grateful to my sister for shouting us dinner last night. I wasn’t expecting that but the gesture sure was as nice as my steak!

*Raven at 7 years old