Today is my birthday. I find the older I get, the less inclined I am to tell my age.
Today, I turned forty-eight.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. My pictures must be ten years old. I assure you they’re not. I’m blessed with good genes. But I realized this morning that being two years away from the big FIVE-O is better than the alternative. (Dead)
And when I woke up to over ninety birthday good wishes on Facebook from family, friends and readers, I felt incredibly blessed. (My kids letting me sleep until almost 10:00 and my daughter making pancakes was pure bonus.) Then, as I brushed my teeth, I realized another fact.
I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. I feel more fulfilled, more full of hope and purpose than I’ve EVER been.
All because I believed in myself.
I had a dream that began when I was a kid– to write a book. I tried off and on in my twenties, always stopping. Then in three years ago, I told myself either put up or shut up. No more excuses. Do it or don’t. It was up to me.
So I did. I wrote my first book (this journey is old news) and now look where I am. Incredibly blessed.
All because I took a chance on me.
I’ll be honest, I wondered if it was too late. Was I too old? Had I missed my shot? But I had nothing to lose by trying, well other than the hours and hours and hours of writing, editing, etc. But even those hours were fulfilling.
I may never be an New York Times bestselling author. I may never make the USA Today Best-Selling Books list, but I’m damn lucky to have the readers I have, the people who support me. I’m incredibly blessed and I know it.
SO, what’s with the title of my blog post? Now it’s time for you to give me a gift. Take a good long look at yourself and your life. Are you doing what you want? Have you followed your dream? Sometimes our dreams are impossible to reach, but often we make excuses as to why they aren’t achievable. Stop making excuses. It’s not too late. Look at me.
My birthday request from you is to follow your dreams. Take a chance on yourself. You never know what it will get you.
Where to Buy My Books
My books are also available for purchase in the UK, Australia, and Canada.
Check out the translations of my books.
Happy Birthday to my WONDERFUL DEAR SWEET FRIEND!
*who will always be older than me BWAHAHAHAH!*
Have a truly magical day — you deserve it!!
*tosses heart-shaped glitter*
Cynthia
Happy birthday to a wonderful woman. I know it sounds cliche, but you are truly an inspiration. So you know, I have fulfilled your birthday wish. First when I became a respiratory therapist, now that I am throwing everything I have into writing and living my own dream. Thank you for everything and enjoy your day. You’ve earned it 😉
Happy Birthday dear denise! I am so happy for you! Thanks for the push!
Sivje
Happy birthday to one of the funniest, classiest (snort) and all around talented women that I know. 🙂
Also, thank you for sharing your generous birthday wish with me. I will recommit myself today to following my dreams, believing in myself and working toward a goal that will leave me as happy and fulfilled as you are. Because, honestly, I can’t imagine a better inspiration on this journey than you my friend.
Goodness, I love you. You make my heart go thump-thump. You’re beautiful, an amazing writer, and a fabulous person. You’re an inspiration (and not at all conceited). I hope you have a wonderful day and thank you for the lovely words. *starts writing*
Aw, that’s so incredibly sweet! I will certainly honor your birthday wish. And I couldn’t agree more, it’s never too late, but there’s no reason to wait for our dreams. 🙂 Happy birthday! I hope you have a fantastic day filled with those you love and of course good books.
This is a great outlook on birthdays! I have a few years on you. I used to be embarrassed to say my age — especially since most of my friends (my kids’ friends parents) are at least about 10 years younger. I stopped being shy about it last year when I woman from our community died from breast cancer at the tender age of 42. I am proud of my 53 years on the planet. We should all celebrate our years. You’re absolutely correct — it beats the alternative. In your case, the cause for celebration is much more. We “met” via a yahoo group about 9 years ago. I am in awe of how you have triumphed over adversity found true self-actualization. You are an inspiration. Happy Birthday! I wish you many more.
Happiest of birthdays! So seriously happy you took this chance on you or I’d never have connected with you 🙂
Awww!!! What an amazing birthday request. I am one of those by chance readers that fell in love with ALL of your books. You deserve to be happy. Following your dream has made you and many others happy. I wish you the happiest of birthdays. May your dreams continue to come true.
Paola
It’s funny how things work. I’ve been under a cloud of doubt lately. Especially when it comes to my writing and the whole process. Someone, some where knew I needed to read this post. I picked my phone up to make a call and my FB was open and already on this page. Seeing it was your blog made me stop and read it. 🙂 it was exactly what I needed to hear. So Denise a huge THANK YOU and I wish you a very happy birthday!!!!!!!
Today (and from now on) I’m going after my dream and going to take a chance on me! ;o)
I am following my dream, and following your footprint! Thanks for being willing to share your success with those of us coming behind you!
Happy Belated Birthday! Thank you for your lovely post / birthday request. It’s so nice to be encouraged to believe and to take a chance on yourself. And, it’s so easy to be besieged by self-doubts (thank you also for sharing yours – it was a nice reality check). Although I am not a YA, I actually discovered you via “Here,” and I’m so glad I did!