Geez, I feel like maybe I should hunt around the house for something to de-clutter, what with all these introspective posts–but really today is all about celebrating, and I guess it follows naturally on yesterday’s post as well.
But in particular, I am celebrating my oldest child’s birthday. I know it’s a cliché, but I can’t believe he is already 14 years old.
When I asked him what he wanted for dinner tonight, he told me lamb chops with mint jelly. He was genuinely surprised when I said yes; he told me he thought that would be too much work and was half-joking when he asked for it. That’s sort of typical of him. He doesn’t ask for much, expects nothing, and is satisfied with what he has. And yes, this is the same child whose favorite movie last year was Into the Wild. I think this whole living simply and deliberately thing comes to him pretty naturally.
Of course, I celebrate my entire family; they are all wonderful in their own ways. Today, I just happen to have an excuse to single out my oldest for the day. And everyone deserves that sort of attention now and then.
And what about me? In theory, sure–I celebrate myself. On a day to day basis, though, I’m not sure I really do. So today’s a reminder to do that as well.
So, after I hit “Publish,” I am going to tell everyone in my family something about each of them that I celebrate; and then I’m going to take a moment to read a little Whitman.
I celebrate myself;
And what I assume you shall assume;
For every atom belonging to me, as good belongs to you.–Walt Whitman, “Song of Myself”
365 Simplify 
Great reminder to celebrate rather than always striving for what is next.
Quoting Whitman: “This minute that comes to me over the past decillions,
There is no better than it and now.”
I never read anything by Whitman, but it seems he had things to say that might be worth reading.
I love Whitman, those his “enumerations” can be a challenge to get through sometimes. I prefer the earlier version of Song of Myself over the “Deathbed Edition”:
http://www.bartleby.com/142/14.html
Love you ended on a Walt Whitman quote. Embarrassingly I knew nothing of him until I became obsessed with Breaking Bad. Another Walt. Reading the additional quote above by Mark, maybe I should read a little more.
It is very easy to miss the things to celebrate. I make a conscious effort to ‘celebrate the little things in life’.
Sorry Mark. Until I just clicked back and read yesterday’s post I did not realise you are Mark. How presumptuous was that. I assumed the author of this blog was female (I headed on over from a link and didn’t do my research!). Or at least I think you are Mark. Very confused now… haha
Learnt another lesson today! Do not presume! And do your research!
Going back to previous day now…
Yes, I am one and the same Mark. Whitman is great–really transformed American poetry.