Celtic Inspiration for a Milestone Birthday and Beyond

I truly was in need of inspiration this month to plan my upcoming 40^th Birthday. I’ve never been a big fan of the ‘milestones’, preferring to live in the moment wherever I could, (or stick my fingers in my ears until it went away J) and not wait until… Forty to have my life mean something. Urgh I don’t even like the sound of the word.

My best friend Lisa passed away 4 years ago this year, and we had always planned to celebrate our 40^th Birthday together as they’re only two weeks apart. Lisa and I were so very close and a lot alike, especially when it came to the “F” word; so much so that she came up with a new name for it – Funty! Now that, I like the sound of!

So with all these thoughts running through my mind and emotions tugging at my heart, I decided to sit and wallow for a while to ponder who I really am and what’s important to me. The important ‘things’ were easy to work out; the ‘discovery’ on the other hand is still a work in progress.

How do you plan for such an event when you realise you have expectations of yourself that you’re unwilling to admit to? Should I have a big party (and big mess to clean up the day after) or a small dinner party where everyone has the opportunity to give a little of themselves by ‘bringing a plate’ and being here for me, for us, for friendship and love? Would I truly regret not having a party at all? Ah too many questions…

I did my usual and decided to listen to a CD to help in the thought process, this time by Canadian born Shawn Lidster. As I listened to his Celtic / Irish album (Legends of the Baccalieu Trail) I figured I’d either end up in tears or come up with some fantastically brilliant ideas. So as is required with any good wallowing session, I cried my heart out (which, as a note is not something I often do!). Shawn’s words however soothed my soul, and the words to his song Newfoundland Summers Day spoke to a part of me that I had denied for a while. He sang of the connection that people have to their roots. He sang of their pride, strength and character; their struggles and sadness but of their determination too. I thought of my own family history and all those that have come before me, that are a part of me today and how we are still connected. I thought of my friends; those that know everything about me and love me anyway.

As I allowed the thoughts of connection and love to settle into my soul I started to feel renewed, and replaced the tears with memories of some of the best times of my life. I smiled and laughed, and imagined how life could be different in some ways, if I chose it.

Suddenly my creative side kicked in, and I found myself sharing the excitement with a friend. We began planning the details of a 60’s themed dinner party with friends who are all beautiful souls in unique and different ways. We talked of ‘Bedazzler’s’, tie dyed t-shirts, Go-Go boots and big earrings. We moved onto fondues, pineapple and cheese on cocktail sticks and Swedish meatballs. We wished our Mums had kept their wooden carved punch bowls and wondered if we could make something that tasted remotely like Tang. Before you knew it, I had a plan and long list of things to tackle before the big event and felt my energy return. Whilst I obviously don’t remember the 60’s, it sure did seem to stretch far enough into the 70’s to give me a solid taste of it!

So how does Shawn tie in with this you may ask? When I listened to Newfoundland Summers Day I realised that forty is just a number and by no means dictates how I feel (despite what the mirrors reflects back to me!), but FUNTY on the other hand is whatever I want it to be.

I remembered the depth of love and laughter that I have in my heart and soul although it may not always be close to the surface. I was given another opportunity to see friendships through fresh eyes and although I had lost my best friend, there still were many opportunities to remain open to the love of new friends. I remembered that I am strong in spirit and each new day (or Birthday) is another chance to renew my heart, my mind and my home, and more importantly; my soul.

The renewal of mind and heart was likely helped by the fact that Shawn’s upbeat The Sealer’s Song had me jigging around like the latest inductee into the River Dance crew but; on that note I have but one warning – don’t attempt it whilst wearing thongs; it leads to bruises!

So if like me, you’re in need of a new jig in your step and in the mood to dream of what’s possible in your future then let yourinner River Dance queen loose and take a listen to Shawn’s beautifully emotive album; it may just be the medicine you need to renew your soul too.

Groovy man!

Find more about Shawn at www.ShawnLidster.com and his My Space site.