My 48th trip around the sun!

Thank you for all of the birthday wishes near and far. As I begin my 48th trip around the sun, I am sure of a couple of things. 1. Family is really really important, whether it is the family you are born with or that you choose, it is the thing that keeps you grounded and a place of shelter in the storm. 2. Good friends are a treasure. The sort of people that celebrate not only the good things with you but are there in the not-so-good. The past two years have been filled with both, and so I am grateful for those of you who are on this journey with me. 3. Life is short, so dance as often as possible, even if you do not feel like it. A good DJ makes everything better! 4. There is a lot to be said about the baggage of religion, but faith in something bigger than you gives hope and strength. As long as we love God and love one another, all of the pieces fall into place. 5. Love what you do and the people you work with. We spend so much of our lives in these places we work, and they can be just a job, something that pays the bills. But when you love what you do, it gives you a sense of purpose and meaning. I am glad to have found that sense of purpose in several places throughout this journey. In all sorts of experiences and professions, I have grown as a human being and found a deep understanding of joy, some pain but mostly joy. So if you do not love what you do, make a change; your life and well-being will be better for it. I am blessed and feel lucky to make my way around this big ball of gas again. All the best, my friends! Cheers! Joe