Eight.Five

I'm writing this at 6:45 AM on August 5th. My birthday.  This is my first day as a 29-year-old. Damn. I'm down to my last year in my 20's. Alex has been calling me old all week like she's not right behind me. When I'm 89 and she's 86, I bet the difference won't seem like a lot. But I don't mind, as long as I still have the baby face and get carded everywhere I go, I'm good. Forever young. 

Some years, I have been down around my birthdays. I think that's natural. It's crazy. Nobody wants to get old, but nobody wants to die. When you think about it, a birthday is just an annual celebration of not dying for 365 more days. I'm happy to celebrate that. Every day on this side of the grass is a good one. 

The girls were out last evening, so I had time to think, and reflect. I came to the conclusion that life is good. God is good. I'm happy. I'm blessed. In years past, I have made the mistake of comparing myself to others when they were my age or younger. I remember thinking, "damn, Tupac was only 25 when he "died" (yes, I'm still hoping that he will come back one day.) look at how much he did in his short time here. What am I doing?" Or looking at NBA players signing 8 figure deals and being years younger than me. Or looking at my friends with law degrees or great careers, thinking that they had their shit together and I was lost. It is always easy to find someone that you think is doing better than you.

This year, I'm not focusing on anybody else. I'm feeling better than I've ever felt. I am healthy, I am surrounded by love, and all of my needs are met. I'm good. Today, Al was asking me what I wanted for my birthday. I want a lot of random things, (Unlike 2 Chainz, he only wanted one thing.) but I couldn't really think of anything that I needed. All of my needs are met. I've got a vision of my purpose that is getting clearer every day that I will make my reality. I've got an amazing woman and lil' girl that love my crazy ass and the best family and friends that I could ask for. I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.

When my boys and I used to work out, preparing for basketball season, we would always push harder on the last set. We would say, "last one, best one." So far, my 20's have been a hell of a ride. I've had some highs and some lows. I've made memories that I'll have forever. Now I have one more year before I close the book on my 20's. I'm ready for it. Last one, best one.