HOORAY! You're only as old as you feel 2016

Many moons have passed since my birth and yet, I still feel and act like I'm 18 - with the wisdom of age and experience most of the time. I celebrated my birthday without my family on Mauke last year for the first time. I embraced the solitude, I was not alone.

The truth is, I’m perfectly happy in my own company. I’m my biggest fan and my worst critic. I’m an endless source of mirth - my internal two-way conversations can go awry in the translation to my friends; and no-one can quite berate me in the fashion I flay myself. I’m also a phone call away if I need to hear a friendly or sane voice.

In this way, I assimilate and decipher my words and actions. I rarely seek advice, merely a sounding board to bounce my thoughts.

I read this description of cool loneliness last week and it resonated. They are: less desire, contentment, avoiding unnecessary activity, complete discipline, not wandering in the world of desire, and not seeking security from one’s discursive thoughts - the last, a work in progress. Mauke is my peaceful place so its easier there, in the quiet.

Special occasions bring joy and happiness for most, but sometimes, sadness and sorrow, the seeds of memories carried on the wind of time, eddy in the gloom. Once in a blue moon, I let myself down, but I recover in the knowledge that as long as I'm happy within, I’m more than okay, I’m great. We all know, if you're not happy with yourself, how can you possibly make anyone else happy?

This year, I get to celebrate my special day with some of my favourite people, Jazzy, Jojo, and the munchkins. Sadly, the Bunny is in Brisbane.