Birthday Crown,Purple Rain, And Gratitude

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:05

Welcome back everyone to Ask Velvet Podcast. Today is a very special day because today is my birthday. I am so grateful, so thankful, and so blessed to be able to celebrate another year of life. Every birthday is a gift, and as I've gotten older, I've learned not to take a single day for granted. This morning I got up and did exactly what I wanted to do. I put on my birthday crown, my birthday sash, and my little birthday skirt. Everywhere I went, people kept asking me where I was going. The funny thing is I wasn't really going anywhere. Today's my birthday and I decided I was going to celebrate it exactly the way I wanted to celebrate it. Sometimes you don't need a destination. Sometimes the celebration is simply being alive, being present, and enjoying the moment. I spent part of my day sitting outside, enjoying the weather, taking in the beauty around me and reflecting on life. Yes, it's a little hot outside, but it still felt good to sit there, enjoy the day, and appreciate another year of living. What makes today even more special is that it is also Princess' birthday. So naturally, I've been listening to Prince all day. And honestly, when you think about his catalog of music, it's almost impossible to pick favorites because he gave us so many incredible songs throughout his career. The man was truly gifted. As I sat there listening to his music, I found myself feeling both grateful and reflective. Grateful because I was fortunate enough to live during a time when Prince was alive. I got to experience his music while he was here creating it, performing it, and sharing his gifts with the world. Not everyone gets the opportunity to witness greatness in real time, and I am thankful that I did. I won't lie, I miss Prince. Sometimes I think about all the music he might still be making if he were here today. I think about the concerts he probably would have continued performing. Concerts I probably couldn't have afforded to attend. But that's okay. Just knowing he was still creating would have been enough. His presence, his creativity, and his fearlessness touched so many people, including me. The beautiful thing, though, is that even though he's no longer here physically, his music remains. His legacy remains. His spirit lives on through every song, every performance, and every person he inspired. And today, on both of our birthdays, I found myself appreciating that gift even more. Birthdays have a way of making you think about life differently. They remind you that every day is precious. Not everyone gets the opportunity to see another birthday, and that's something I never want to forget. Every year we get is a blessing. Every morning we wake up is a blessing. I've also been overwhelmed by the kindness people have shown me today. I've received birthday wishes from family, friends, and people online. Every message, every phone call, every kind word has meant something to me. It reminds me that no matter what we're going through, there are people who care about us and who are rooting for us. As I reflect on this birthday, I realize that one of the biggest lessons I've learned is how important it is to live your dream. Prince lived his dream. He was unapologetically himself. He created the music he wanted to create. He walked his own path. He believed in his vision. And because of that, he left behind a legacy that continues to inspire people around the world. His life reminds me that we should all have the courage to pursue whatever dream is in our hearts. It doesn't matter if your dream is to start a business, write a book, create a podcast, travel the world, become an artist or simply become the best version of yourself. Your dream matters. Don't let fear stop you. Don't let doubt stop you. Don't let age stop you. Don't let circumstances convince you that your dream isn't worth pursuing. Life is too short not to try. Life is too precious not to believe in yourself. Today has reminded me that dreams matter, goals matter, and purpose matters. We all have something we're called to do, and we owe it to ourselves to pursue it with everything we've got. So as I wrap up this birthday episode, I want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who took the time to wish me a happy birthday. Thank you to my family, my friends, my listeners, and everyone who continues to support me on this journey. And before I go, I want to say happy birthday to Prince. Thank you for the music. Thank you for the inspiration. Thank you for the creativity, the courage, and the example you set by living your truth and following your dream. I am grateful that I lived during a time when you were here, and I am grateful that your music continues to bring joy, comfort, and inspiration to so many people. As for me, I am stepping into another year of life with gratitude in my heart, hope for the future, and a renewed commitment to continue pursuing my own dreams. So wherever you are, whatever dream is living inside of you, don't give up on it. Keep believing, keep growing, keep moving forward, keep living your truth, and most importantly, keep living your dream. Happy birthday to Prince, happy birthday to my granddaughter, and of course, happy birthday to me, and happy living to all of you. Until next time, take care of yourselves, keep dreaming, keep believing, and keep shining.