Last Monday was my birthday. I flew home from Australia and had a huge Karaoke, party, which my friends called ‘Skol-aoke.’ Just over twenty four hours after getting to bed that night, I was back on a plane, heading to Oklahoma City to continue the tour.
I didn’t have to fly all the way back East. I could’ve stayed in California with the rest of the band, who took a couple days off. But there was no way I was going to not be in New York. This was a big birthday.
I never thought I would turn forty. It’s just one of those birthdays that you can’t imagine ever happening. How is it that I’ve reached this age?
I’m the kid! I was always the youngest in my family, youngest in my band (Testament, not AST) and youngest in my class in high school. But I guess if I’m hitting this milestone, than everyone else is older too.
I’m really surprised at the lack of freaking out I’m doing. Twenty nine was much worse. I think that’s because I really felt I wasn’t where I was supposed to be in life, personally, musically and geographically. I realize now that that phase was an important part of my journey and necessary to get where I am now.
I couldn’t see it that way back then. Thirty was fast approaching and if really felt like my youth was ending. Who knew that ten years later I’d feel younger and more vibrant than I did then.? Unlike my last milestone, this one feels like things are just beginning.
I think I’m taking this one in stride for several reasons. I’m really excited about the future. Well, personally that is. The future of our country, that’s another story, something I’m going to be writing about very shortly.
Things are happening now. I feel I’ve come full circle. I’ve been able to spread my wings and stay focused on my dreams. And I can honestly look at the last ten years and say they’ve made sense.
Oh there have been some bumps in the road alright. But it’s all been a learning process. And I accept everything that’s happened as a part of the journey.
Achieving anything of significance, whether it’s physical fitness, musical skill, a lasting friendship or relationship, an education or anything like that does not happen over night.
Very often you will not realize that progress is being made because it has to be made in very small steps. There are going to be failures and disappointments along the way. That’s part of the process.
I know this now. And to be able to hit this age with the comfort of that knowledge is a really cool thing indeed.
Reaching a new age is not something to feel bad about.
It’s something to proud of. I hope more people are able to reach this age and feel as good about it as I do.
Cheers!