It is time to mark another year of existing on this planet and a trip around the sun. (Song at the bottom) I am excited to have made it this far and am encouraged and looking forward to the adventures that the next year is going to bring. Each year in retrospect, I am always kind of stunned by the number of people that have entered my life and affected me in a positive, compelling way. Some who don’t even realize it. Here are my top 49 thoughts on my 49th year.

• It is great to be here still!

• Conversations with people are some of the most critical moments in life.

• I wonder why the world hates the New England Patriots, whom  I love so dearly.

• People are kind and giving for the most part, and it is beautiful to watch.

• You can’t hurry love. It just has to wait.

• Old friends are the best ones because there is no bullshitting each other.

• People criticize others only about weaknesses or fears that they possess themselves.

• Love is my religion

• The world, through nature, is all connected. If you look at the sky from anywhere on the planet and breathe deeply, you can find peace within.

• Gratitude for all that you have brings peace and happiness to your life.

• Gossip is the lowest form of communication.

• My experience this year has been sponsored by Panera Bread and Planet Fitness

• I learn something new every day

• I can like you and not like your opinions

• I want to know who put the old guy in the mirror

• Working out and taking care of ourselves is vital to happiness.

• Kindness counts and is a choice

• Attitude is everything. Create or destroy, how you approach life will determine your influence.

• The right question can change your life

• People will astound you and confound you.

• Everybody has a unique value

• I am not 21 years old anymore, or 31, or 41. But I feel the same on the inside.

• Even when you do things right, pain can be the result.

• Consciousness is not something you achieve, and it is a constant evolution of expanding unique possibilities.

• People can only criticize those weaknesses they see in themselves; otherwise, they don’t notice them

• Enjoy all the people in your life. If they are not enjoyable, get them out of your life

• Life is too short to waste time, not being who you are.

• Our thoughts lead to words. Our words lead to feelings. Our feelings lead to actions. It all starts with thoughts.

• Curiosity is a good thing.

• Forgiveness is vital to being happy. You can never be satisfied if you carry a grudge against someone else or yourself.

• Worry is wasting today’s energy on something that may never happen. Fear has no power to stop it.

• What would life look like if people weren’t afraid?

• Pain or pleasure- all decisions in life are made based on this ratio. Does the joy of doing something outweigh the pain of not doing it?

• Whatever you focus on in life increases.

•  There is a difference between being interested in something and being committed to it.

• The obstacles in life generally teach you how to hurdle well.

• The subconscious mind runs the show of life. Make sure it is running a good one.

• All people have energy, and the frequency of that energy reflects the beliefs of that person.

• Actions will destroy fear, always. Take significant, bold, forceful action.

• Magic does happen when you believe in the results.

• Our past is prolog to the story of our lives we write right now.

• Nothing in life should be taken personally.

• We all have a personal legend, and we write that every day.

– Be honest, transparent, and impeccable with your words, misunderstandings, and false expectations disappear.

• You can’t assume anything about someone else, their actions, or thoughts. Ask questions, and be sure.

There it is for this year, 49 thoughts on turning 49. I remember when I thought 25 was ancient, now I don’t think I am all that old. Life is a short journey whose ending is already known. It is the actions we take and the experiences we affect positively along the way that matter.

I look forward to the next trip around the sun.