There is nothing like a birthday to remind me that I am no longer the young and idealistic person from high school who believed he could change the world. Instead, there is now someone who can at least change his environment. There is also nothing like that day where so many people go out of their way to express their feelings about you and truly make one feel truly special. It felt amazing to be thought of and wished by so many. It took me aback, and I struggled with the attention to be honest. It is humbling and inspiring to hear from so many, and have so many come personally to express wishes. I do not take it lightly, and it confirms for me once again that we all respond to positivity, passion and accountability.
The strange part is that I don’t feel any older, just more experienced and my heart grows bigger with the amount of love being poured into it. I admit there is a bit of nostalgia for days at UCLA, Kentucky, and the ideal that the world is for the taking, but if I was truly honest, I am filled at the brim with happiness. I keep setting bigger goals, and expecting more from myself because what good is a life not lived? I’ve made thousands of mistakes, and as much as I regret some of them, they each had something to teach me.
I truly wish I could thank each person and tell them that their words were not mere greetings, but an energy source. Their gifts not just material, but a reflection of their time and feelings for me. It inspires me, and encourages me to be better, do more and use their love to push me into uncomfortable areas.
44 is not just a number, it’s a testament as to lucky I am to make it to this point. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Sanjay Sabarwal's Blog 