---- > How did you celebrate your birthday in 2011? <--- asked a recent #Reverb11 prompt at the Besottment blog.
Where were you? Who were you with? Did you get any presents? Make any resolutions for yourself for your next year? If your birthday is December 27 - 31, you can choose to write about what you did in 2010, or what you have planned for 2011.
It was among my favorite celebrations ever: I took the day in solitude on a personal retreat at Montano del Oro in San Luis Obispo County on my birthday last January 29.
I know, it is countercultural to not do the whole party and hang out with friends thing, but it was my forty-ninth. I wanted to honor my journey as I was starting my fiftieth year.
I could stop right there, but I was taken by surprise several times during my adventure:
- I was surprised how scary it was to wander around a state park by myself. Nearly everyone else I saw was coupled or in a group. I was also surprised how uncomfortable I felt asking strangers to take my photo for me, so I could remember certain moments.
- I was surprised I had to force myself to open the door and walk down the first path.
- I was surprised to have a rattle snake block my walk to the beach.
- I was surprised how, once I got in the groove, going back to “civilization” was so difficult.
- I was surprised when I decided to take myself to a fairly fancy restaurant for dinner, I was tucked in a corner – which was, nicely enough, right by the window facing the ocean, to have a sea lion as my sole companion. I got great service, a delicious meal and sundown over the Pacific. I didn’t read a book, I didn’t write. I sat there and truly enjoyed my food.
Here are some photos from my day:
This year I have decided rather than have a huge party I will have an intimate retreat for a number of friends in Dana Point. It will be a week-end of reflection, creativity, intention and some roasting of me. I decided it is crazy people so often only have speeches made about them at their funeral, which they don’t even get to hear (that we can be certain of, anyway!)
I am looking forward to a transformative birthday this year, not just for me but for everyone and anyone who attends. I am open and willing.
I am Julie Jordan Scott ~ and this is one of my Reverb11 posts. This year, the Reverb Community is taking an individualized approach to this life changing initiative. I am answering several prompts a day in short snippets during either a 30 minute or 60 minute wordsprint. I look forward to reading other Reverb11ers writing & if you are unfamiliar, just use the prompt and use the #reverb11 hashtag on twitter. You'll have a blast!
Follow me on Twitter: @JulieJordanScot
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© 2011
Julie Jordan Scott
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