Celebrate My Birthday: He woke me up this morning and started me on my way
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Celebrate My Birthday: He woke me up this morning and started me on my way
In the beginning vocals of my song, Celebrate My Birthday, I belt out with gusto the words, “I thank God I’m still here.” That is not an idle expression. In my life, I have had at least three encounters where I was walking through the valley of the shadow of death
When asked the question, How are you? Some wise old folks reply, “I thank God I woke up this morning, clothed and in my right mind.” As I proudly wear the label of senior citizen today, my birthday-btw, I have come to understand the wisdom of that three-part response.
In the beginning vocals of my song, Celebrate My Birthday, I belt out with gusto the words, “I thank God I’m still here.” That is not an idle expression. In my life, I have had at least three encounters where I was walking through the valley of the shadow of death.”
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4 KJV)
My Article, The Breathe of Life, featured in the January 2022 edition of Today’s Christian Living Magazine.
Every day is truly a miracle from God. With each breath, I have a chance to experience what each day has in store for me. From the day a baby takes its first breath, it is surrounded by people who wish them well and pray they have a full and satisfying life until they take their last breath. I wish the same for each of you as you celebrate your birthday year after year on your journey through life.
On my birthday I am thankful that my basic necessities of life are met (Food, shelter, clothes). I am clothed, I have too many clothes in my closet with the tags still on them. My shelter is a fine home in a safe neighborhood. I certainly have enough food to eat. My full figure is evident of that! On my birthday, I wish for a world without poverty, homelessness, and hunger.
As I have grown older, I have learned the value of protecting and preserving my mental health and well-being.
My birthday month of May is designated for a celebration of Older Americans and Mental Health Awareness. I fall in both of those categories, the two go hand in hand. As I have grown older, I have learned the value of protecting and preserving my mental health and well-being. In life, we have good days and bad days.
What is most important is how you mentally adjust to and handle these experiences. How do you bounce back from defeat? How do you celebrate a victory? How do you maintain peace of mind when all around you is going wrong? Striving for peace of mind is necessary to relieve stress. Research shows stress impacts so much of our mental, social, personal, and relational, and health and wellbeing. My Christian faith is what has helped me stay in my right mind. I actively, consistently, and intentionally turn to prayer and scriptures from the Word of God to bring calm, understanding, and wisdom into my life situations.
I add to that other wellness practices such as breathing exercises, (pranayama)–which help regulate my emotional and physical responses to life stresses. I love fragrances like scented candles that put you in a positive emotional state of mind. Finally, whether I’m singing or listening to other artists, music always soothes my troubled mind. I wish that each of you will find your own path towards good mental health and well-being.
So if you ask me today, How are you on my birthday? I will raise my hands and say, “I thank God I woke up this morning. I’m clothed and I am in my right mind.” Celebrate my birthday with me.
I’m so excited to announce that my song, Celebrate My Birthday, can now be searched on all social media platforms. So the next time your friends and family are celebrating their birthday, you and they can choose my song as your birthday song of choice and for all of your special occasions videos. It would make me so happy to know you made me a part birthday celebration in this special way. #Debrahillsings so I can find it.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
ACBVA President Doug Powell published two articles on aging in the Braille Forum.
In conjunction with Older America Month (May), ACBVA President Doug Powell published two articles on aging in the Braille Forum.
Doug is also the President of the Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss (AAVL).
Thank you Doug for sharing your knowledge and expertise with the community and your dedication to equity and inclusion for blind low vision persons.
Join the American Council of the Blind of Virginia’s Email List
As a member of ACBVA, I encourage you to join our email list to be a part of a vibrant community of visually impaired persons, attend informative monthly online meetings, and learn more about important accessible resources.
For those interested in the benefits of the American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) organization, you can also become a member, click the link below!
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