And it is! I can’t wrap my head around being 59 today; that number just does not compute. There’s a disconnect between how I feel mentally and the actual number of years I’ve lived…the usual story.

My tarot card for this year is the Hermit, which, according to this episode of Cardslingers Coast-to-Coast, is about self-care; a take on it that’s new to me, but one that is really fitting right now. I found this on Tumblr which was a bit of a light-bulb moment:

Puts a bit of a different spin on it, don’t you think? Self-care seems…optional, but system maintenance is necessary or everything goes to shit, right? Mind blown.

My major system maintenance is the ongoing quest for sobriety. A year ago, and probably a few others over time, I wrote about my problem with alcohol. It’s a generational thing in my family, and unfortunately I made the decision to go back down that path nearly (this makes me cringe with shame) a quarter of a century ago after staying sober for over 3 years. I didn’t accomplish my goal last year, but I never give up the battle. I’ve learned that just declaring “I quit. No more!” doesn’t work, and I’m not fond of the prevailing group idea, so I need other things to keep me on the path.

So I used birthday money to splurge on The Hero’s Journal. I’d just watched this…

And the journal just seemed like the perfect way to do that. And it’s fun! My evil wizard Drinko is called The Beer Bitch, btw.

So Happy Birthday to me, the quest is on!

With hope and love,

Pip 🌻✨

BTW, I fixed all the links in posts and pages back to 2017. There’s more to do, but I’m nearly finished! I also reconfigured some of the pages, names, etc, to better streamline the website and what I do. If you haven’t before, check out the website! I’d love to help you feel better!

PS: Another fabulous journal to help you accomplish your goals is The Map by Claudia Wair.

PPS: Have I mentioned how much I love Tumblr? I’m sure I have, but it bears repeating.