3 Birthday Wisdom Pearls For You

Today is my birthday, and it's bittersweet. Am thrilled to be alive, but sad that I have now lived longer than my dad. I was only 15 when he died and I'm still not 100% over it. 

Here are three birthday gifts to share with you: 

The most important lesson I learned from losing my dad so young was that life is fleeting and short. I have a bias towards action and an aversion to working for the man. I am hyper aware of my mortality and try to live every day to its fullest. 

My biggest regret is not properly grieving his death. The Brits have nothing on us Okinawans in the "stiff upper lip" department. This is tragic. 

Emotions trapped in our bodies and psyches make it hard for us to feel grace that is to love and to let ourselves be loved. Parts of become us stuck and we can't operate at full power. 

Think of a beach house on pilings -- a storm surge can flow through and under, and the house survives. Without pilings, waves will smash over and over into walls and demolish the house. 

Trust me, letting emotions flow is key to resilience. 

What am I going to do with the time I have left that my dad didn't? I plan to give far fewer fucks, and to live with even more intention and urgency. When you're staring at the last 25% of life, you dole out your time and energy more wisely. Start now, especially if you're young!