Ah, it’s not much different than yesterday really…

I wanted to take a minute and say hello to everyone that I interact with online on a daily or weekly basis.  Yes, today is my birthday and yes, I’m 40 today.  I’m off to spend the day with family and while I’ll be checking in online, I don’t want anyone to think I don’t appreciate you stopping by, or tweeting me on Twitter.

I’m not real big on how old you are or aren’t, but will admit I’ve thought more about my birthday this year than I have since waiting for 16 to finally come around (and the drivers license we all crave at that point in life).

Whether it’s the things I’ve accomplished or yet to accomplish – the memories of the past or the dreams of the future.  The years don’t bring cynicism as much as they bring experience and enthusiasm.  Enthusiasm of how life takes wonderful twists and continues to surprise and enthrall us.

I’ve wondered recently of the choices I’ve made and the path I’ve taken to deliver me where I am today.  Pondered the plans and surprises that have made me who I am at this moment.  How delightful is it for us to be such dynamic beings, that so many things go into who we are, what we think, and how we approach life.

Yesterday marked a turning point in my life as big as my birthday today.  It’s been exactly one year since I choose to take control of my career and life.  A full year has passed since I stepped out of the corporate shell that was so secure and protected.  It’s been a challenging year, with many, many unpredicted turns.  Most pleasant, some not, but every one of them has pushed me to grow and discover things about myself, my life and career.

In the past year, I’ve had fun exploring social media, building my personal brand, and networking with dozens of great people around the world.  Finding that there is a vibrant, growing social media community right in my own backyard of Minneapolis/St. Paul is just icing on the cake (no pun intended today)!

So, while it’s my birthday, I want to take this moment to thank you for being part of my life.  For commenting here, tweeting on Twitter, linking on LinkedIn, coming to our local Social Media Breakfast events, trading emails or blog posts, IM’ing, thinking, and most of all sharing.  I’m looking forward to more!

Thank you!

Photo credit: badboy96