20 Comments
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RMZ's avatar

Love this piece/reflection. This line particularly resonated with me, "life stopped being something I was experiencing and became something I was managing." Especially as I try to find ways to live life!

Happy 55th, Birthday Brotha! Enjoy your day!

The Messy Middle by ItsDariam's avatar

RMZ, thank you! You get it for sure. Also, Happy Birthday to you as well.

Purple_BellFlower's avatar

RMZ... I swear, that was gold! There were sooo many things. I would have written an entire piece as response! 🪻💜 BTW... Happiest Birthday To You too, Sir 🎂 🎁🎈 🎉 🥳 🪻 💜

The Messy Middle by ItsDariam's avatar

Thank you so much, Bellflower.

Jay's avatar

Happy birthday, friend. This reflection hit hard. Thank you for processing and sharing openly with us. May we all be open to the possibilities of living in the now from here on out.

The Messy Middle by ItsDariam's avatar

Jay, thank you so much for your kind words and well wishes.

Purple_BellFlower's avatar

My God!!! 1st of all HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY DARIAM!!!! 🎂 🎁🎈 🎉 🥳 🪻 💜

Okay the gems dropped here... I can't ever carry them all! Yes, my arrival at 5️⃣0️⃣came ever so swiftly! But as I was approaching it, a few years before I was beginning to finally give myself permission to live, feel, release, & become (& I'm still working on it🪻 💜).

There were soooo many standouts in your double 5️⃣5️⃣ post... but I will highlight 2️⃣that spoke to me... "Because when you’ve spent much of your life being the strong one, receiving care can feel unfamiliar." & "Permission to let my health support my life instead of becoming another performance of who I am supposed to be." This entire post was powerful, Dariam! Thank you for always displaying vulnerability, wisdom & challenging us to think beyond the present. I pray for your continued discovery, permission, intention, gratitude & release as you move forward LIVING & EXPERIENCING the life you were meant to lead. I pray this same prayer for myself... 🪻🙌🏾 💜🙏🏾

The Messy Middle by ItsDariam's avatar

Bellflower, as always, thank you for your insights and for “getting it”. This road has taken me places that, quite honestly, I didn’t want to go. I am discovering so many uncomfortable truths. What’s even MORE wild is the fact that I am sharing it here. It makes my heart sing knowing that people can take away gems, nuggets, pearls, dust, or even a whim that will make them feel a little more seen and less alone.

You are amazing and truly appreciated. I am glad that you got things working in your favor a bit earlier; however, I’m sure your story is unfolding as the days pass.

Purple_BellFlower's avatar

Thank you Dariam 🫶🏾 Our stories are forever unfolding. We are more connected than we know. So, thank you for creating the space for us to link up ✨️💜

The Messy Middle by ItsDariam's avatar

Bellflower, I am so glad about it. You offer so much wisdom and lived experience. What compels you to share with the community?

KimJ Sweet Healthy Life's avatar

Happy 55th! I wish you the best! Thoroughly enjoy living in the moment and making lasting memories!🤗💙

The Messy Middle by ItsDariam's avatar

Thank you so much for your well wishes. I pray all is well with you and yours as well.

The Metabolic Midwife's avatar

Happy (belated) Birth Day, dear Sage!

I'm am always pushed to inner thought by your words. Thank you for being you!

The Messy Middle by ItsDariam's avatar

Thank you so much, Barb. You are truly a gem.

R. E.'s avatar
Jun 9Edited

This was a very insightful Darium. As a 51 year old man, historically always looking out for those around me, a lot of you wrote about in this piece resonated with me. Happy Belated Birthday.

The Messy Middle by ItsDariam's avatar

Thank you so much, R.E. I appreciate you.

What made you decide to put your health to the forefront? How is it coming along?

Debra Kreischer's avatar

Happy birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁

Quinell Francis's avatar

Well happy Birthday to a fellow 1971 baby……🥳. I truly believe you nailed it it every time, great reflection and I too was looking at my life as I turned the double Nickles in March…there is so much to continue to learn and each day forward is a blessing for us all…..take care and happy birthday again!

The Messy Middle by ItsDariam's avatar

QL, first of all, happy belated 55th birthday. Thank you for paving the way for the double nickels. I am looking forward to the next phase and now that I am living with a new perspective. I know you will do the same.

Thank you so much for the birthday blessings.