Little waves of serenity pass over me as the sunlight settles on my brow from the early morning sun. Thoughts of a day filled with joy, my sister and I, taking the time to spend together for my birthday. Another beautiful day waits me on these Islands of peace and serenity. I peer over the railings of the deck and hear a song of a bird, different than usual, calling a tune to one of its brethren.

I had an amazing birthday. It was several days ago, yet I am still celebrating the happiness of friends gathering and the praise I received from so many. Yes it is just another day, but my birthday often marks the beginning of spring, and usually is a blur as it is a time of stress for me. Yet this spring I have felt awake and renewed by all of the new beginnings.

Steve and I spent the day on Orcas Island, and in between soaks at the clothing optional spa with saunas and tubs, we were wrapped in our towels, sharing a glass of wine and standing in the sunny parking lot of Doe Bay, having a smoke and letting the dogs wander a bit. It was so special to spend time with my lover on a small adventure. We went out to breakfast, had dinner, sat in the park, and loved and enjoyed each other all day.

Again, I am thankful for this birthday. I made a few intentions, soaking in the sun and the hot water of the tub, while looking out over the waterfall and into the sky beyond, clouds cutting the light of the sun and sparkling over the water. I wished for a special and new beginning, freshness in my relationship. For joy to enter our hearts as we enter this phase and come together in a partnership that we have never felt, on a level intimate and close that we have not yet achieved. Steve is the most important and significant person in my life. I wish for us to be close always, but as we begin this new journey of my health and a new place to live, I pray we love each other as we have many new adventures and memories to make.

The light is growing now. My dogs are wandering the yard and smelling and barking the day into its new creation. I am feeling refreshed now, after writing these words, positive thoughts buzzing around my head and love entering my heart. I wish for a daily yoga practice, lots of walks and special time with Lionel and Bruce, good work, and a creative charge that keeps me painting and writing. I’m sure I will have all of these things in this novel year. Most of all I am grateful for making it this far. I have healed my body and mind in a way some bipolar patients only dream of. I may seem just another creative yet average human being, but I am a success story, a miracle. I will cherish this miracle that has been blessed upon me and will continue to sow health and wellness in my life.

I look forward to a good day. Every day is a good day, this is a blessing I can accept, a truth that is epic, a standard we all cannot ignore whether we can grasp the everlasting truth or not. I wish for nothing more than to see and share this truth. I am done achieving or not accepting that I can’t achieve, let me absorb and see what is, what was, and what truly exists for us all; a blameless and wondrous day.