I’m 42 today and I wanted to share with you one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned.
Sometimes I can’t believe it. I still remember when I thought 30 was… old. But here I am and since my father died suddenly at 50, I’ve been determined to live my life to the fullest for a while now.
So…
- I’ve traveled to more than 40 countries and met many amazing people.
- I’ve had the adrenalin rush of riding in a race car and finishing a triathlon.
- I’ve nurtured creativity and learned to paint and take ballet as an adult.
- I’ve danced in a music video, dated a movie star, met with royalty.
And now I live part time on an island, in my dream home with my kids and husband who are loving, happy and healthy.

As I was thinking about my “bucket list” and what I wanted to achieve, not surprisingly, my bucket was pretty empty.
Besides helping others and making some kind of lasting contribution to the world, I’m not longing for anything that I need to accomplish or do.
I’m just grateful.
That’s my wish for you, that wherever you are right now in your life or in your business, you appreciate what you do have, not what you don’t. It’s enough. YOU are enough.
Look around you and find something you are grateful for. Make a list everyday and watch what you appreciate… grow.
Feel how peaceful you are deep inside, no matter how busy your day gets.
Try it and see.
And feel free to post a comment below and let me know what you are grateful for. That would be an amazing gift for my birthday.
PS: Incidentally, my birthday sale ends at midnight tonight, Eastern time. You can still catch up! Use coupon code BDAY2010 to get 42% off any of the PR in Your Pajamas products, an Email Pitch and Press Release, or a Customized Media List.
Elena is founder of a technology PR agency that works with startups to billion-dollar companies. She is passionate about helping marketers and small business owners with practical publicity strategies.
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Happy Birthday! I am so inspired by everything you’ve accomplished so far! I just turned 30 this year and have so much to do still…
Thank you Charlene! Make your 30s a great decade!
What a wonderful post and big Happy Birthday wishes from California!