My Thoughts on my 61st birthday
November 19th, 2017. This is my 61st birthday and the best one I have ever had, let me tell you why. First, I am the only person I know who has lived out every single fantasy that I have ever had. I am in the best health and physical/mental condition of my life right now. I have known incredible tragedy and also incredible happiness and joy. Both have taught me the value of a life well spent and appreciated. As a minimalist, I have learned the contentment in simple living and that less is more. I understand the incredible value of the words Thank you. I have used words that described people in ways that dignified them and preserved their character even when my "friends" preferred to denigrate them with words I will never use. I have loved in ways I thought unimaginable and I have jettisoned hatred as a useless emotion that burned me like a caustic acid inside.I have forgiven every person who has ever wronged me which was something I once thought impossible. I have matured to accept that the differences in others is an enlightenment of myself and not a denial of my own personal values. I have embraced thousands of beautiful children here in Peru in my project, Changes for New Hope, and had the vision of my heart realized to their benefit and futures as well as my own purpose in life fulfilled. I have had the joy of meeting new friends, some virtually as many of you are, and also in person who I have touched and who have touched me. I have learned the value of quiet contemplation and solitude in a meditative state to renew my own spirit. I have embraced the word "No" without guilt and yes when its effectiveness presented itself. I have been privileged to learn how to understand the toxicity of the ego and the ecstasy of serving. I do not know of any woman, person of color, opinion, life preference or station in life that is not my equal in every regard. If my final day is tomorrow or in another few decades, I will close my eyes and smile with the confidence that I left a footprint behind of my very best self to make the life journey for others easier to follow. I have lived large and lived deliberately on my own terms as the man I designed and created myself to be. Thank you for taking the time to read all the way down to here.. I hope it meant something to you.
~~~ Jim Killon