Another year older…another year more ‘free’ by Donna Carrick

There is a certain freedom that comes with achieving middle age. I first became aware of that “je’n sai quoi” feeling sometime during my forties, and I will confess it has intensified these past few years.
It’s hard to describe, exactly, but I suspect many readers will know what I mean.

Call it a sense of confidence, if you will. The shaking off of doubts and petty concerns that used to hold me back, causing me to wonder whether I “could/should/would” accomplish my personal goals.

And here I am – at another birthday – my 52nd, I’m proud to say, and as always on this day I want to pause, to reflect on the year gone by.

What have I accomplished?

Perhaps a list is in order:

I have a lovely family: husband Alex who is everything I ever hoped; three smart, funny and loving children; extended family and friends that many would envy.

My writing goals are on target. I’ve been blessed to be accepted by a wide community of independent writers and artists. These people have my utmost respect for their hard work and dedication. With 3 novels and two short story anthologies under my belt, and another novel well underway, I am pleased with my work.

This changing publishing industry of ours has allowed me to keep learning. I’ve lost count of the number of e-books I’ve produced, for myself, for Alex and for a number of authors who’ve come to Carrick Publishing for help. This brings fresh joy and challenge to me daily.

Most of all, despite assorted age-related health concerns, despite the busy-ness of keeping a full time job and keeping up in this manic world we live in, I’m still aware of a profound gladness in my heart.

Especially this time of year. Spring holds magic for me, as I’m sure it does for many of you. When I step outdoors in the morning and take a deep breath, I feel I’m sharing that crisp new air with the birds, the budding trees… you get my point.

There is a sense that anything is possible.

As indeed it is!