"I was recently looking at a magazine article called 'Ten Things to Do Before You Die.' I have a list of one. Before we die, we should all experience our wisdom and compassion. If we don't experience that, the list of ten things will grow to a hundred or a thousand."

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche
from Ruling Your World

My 35th birthday is just around the corner and it's a little scary. I have to admit, though, that I've loved my thirties. They started off kind of rough. Okay, very rough. But every year since then has been better and better.

I don't really have a whole lot - for what's expected at my age, anyway. I'm not married, I don't have any children and I don't own a house.

But. I finally feel comfortable in my own skin (most of the time!), I'm a hell of a lot nicer (and not in that passive-aggressive way we Southern girls are known for either) and I generally feel happier and more relaxed.

Not to say that life has been easy or at all simple. Hardly. However, over time, I have softened. I see things differently. I see myself differently.

This, to me, is priceless. Do you know how long it has taken me to even begin feeling this way? Entirely too long! But, you have to start somewhere.

YOU, reading this - don't wait too long. Your wisdom and compassion are waiting for you (with endless amounts of patience).

In the meantime, something sweet for you to listen to...