According to the Economist's 2010 Holiday Edition, Life begins at 46!  I have to tell you that I was so excited when I first saw this headline, (I was at Dulles Airport on my way to Washington State to see my sister) that I bought the magazine immediately and cut out the headline while on the plane.  I was gathering pictures, words and headlines for my 2011 Life Inspiration board and this would be a major theme since I was on my way to 46 …

Today happens to be that day, yes, I am now officially 46.  The Economist said that "the self-reported well-being" that people feel over the course of their lives resembles a "U-bend."

We start happy as youth and then go downhill until middle age (we become more stressed, uncomfortable and over worked).  Then we hit 46.  That's when the U-bend begins to go up.  So, even though our physical self begins to deteriorate, our level of happiness goes up.  

It's interesting, I am already excited imagining how my life will be even happier and more abundant now that I'm 46 and at the same time, I'm terribly saddened because my Mom, Patricia McDonald never had that opportunity!  Mom died at the young age of 46, I never realized how young she really was until this moment.  The past few days have been filled with moments of great joy and saddness.  I just can't help thinking of how much Mom missed, and yet I know she lived quite a full life in her short 46 years.

I can't imagine being in her shoes. It was so hard for us to lose her, but I'm sure it was very difficult for her to leave this physical life so early as well.  I feel like I'm just getting started in so many ways, what a tragedy.  So, where does this leave me?

I am resolved on this March 11th, 2011 to celebrate life each and every day in way that honors both my Mom and me.

All week, I've been adding a new twist to my daily exercise … 46 crunches and 46 push-ups – it's a little thing, but it helped to give me strength …physically, emotionally and spiritually to roll into this special birthday that honors the life of my Mom and my life ahead.

As I look ahead knowing that the future is so bright, I toast this moment, my Mom and this precious journey we call life!

I know my Mom would make a funny face if I toasted her with a shot of wheat grass, the thought makes me laugh — see, I'm happier already …  The Economist was right ;-)