I turn 48 today. At this age, birthdays have become just another day. This morning was similar to yesterday and it will be similar to tomorrow. I woke, had a cup of coffee, got outside for a bit, went to work, and spent time with the folx I love.

If you search June 26 on this site, you’ll find a bunch of birthday posts. It’s interesting to see how the voice in those posts has evolved with me over the years. In 2013, I posted about disconnecting to celebrate my 35th year. Back in 2021 I posted about seeing a birthday twister. And last year I posted a list of 47 things I’ve learned in 47 years.

Over the years, I’ve realized that the anticipation and excitement younger me once had for this day has given way to deep reflection and gratitude.

This coming year, I want to lean into mindful reflection and gratitude wherever possible. In order to grow my practice in these areas I am beginning a routine of posting a daily haiku. A temporal snapshot of my gratitude. My first haiku is posted here and, from today onward, each day’s poem will also hit the front page of this site for 24 hours until the next one arrives.

I am appreciative of my family, friends, health and career, and I want this daily practice to reinforce that sentiment. Here’s to another 48 years powered by love, gratitude and positivity.