I’m going to be real for a moment, ending on a positive note no less š
Wow, it’s incredibly strange to say that I’m fifty years old. It just doesn’t sound right? Yet here I am! I don’t feel like fifty; I mean aside from dealing with my health issues, which have plagued me for decades, of course. But I’ve grown used to that. This, however, is a huge milestone, not just the number itself; but the fact that I’m still here! Here to celebrate life… my life, with those I cherish, near and far.
You see, I’ve never thought I’d make it to forty years old, let alone fifty. I have struggled with depression for the majority of my life since being a teenager, at least. Long before, I really understood what depression is because no one talked about it. The subject matter was simply too taboo. It’s still difficult to have this conversation even today, but at least it’s out there being discussed, whether people want to understand it or not.
So I’m celebrating life! I’m thankful for what I have, and especially for everyone I have around me. To understand me is to love me. I’m complicated, yet so effortless. All I need is kindness and respect, because that’s what I give. And not just in return, it’s simply how I am. Understanding comes hand in hand with empathy, this I know intimately. I’ve discovered a lot about myself in my later years. Things that have helped me to heal, to comprehend others’ actions/reactions, and to actually feel more understood; to myself as well as to others.
When you take the time to look at the entire picture (or painting for my point of reference); every line, every scribble, every splat of paint, in multiple colors; those are life’s marks etched onto your mind, body, and soul. Left there by every person, place, or thing you’ve encountered throughout your entire lifetime. These occurrences are all pieces of your particular puzzle. What makes you… well “You” of course. If we just jam all of those pieces together, without understanding their purpose/position, or how they’ve impacted us (in other words forcing pieces to fit where they do not belong), our puzzle will never truly be complete. It would literally be a big mess, right!? Well, I finally put all of my pieces in their proper places these last couple of years. This has all brought me some peace of mind. A full understanding of who I am and what makes me the person I’ve become today. My journey wasn’t always a blissful walk in the proverbial park, but it is one that I would transverse again because with all of the bad, there’s was always some good along the way. And I will never give up any of the good, I’ve been lucky enough to have received. No matter the torture I’ve endured; to achieve this life that I am finally able to appreciate what it is. I’ve fought to find myself. It didn’t just happen, I put in the work!
So, I leave you with this... Fight for yourself! No one else is going to do the work for you, nor nearly as proficient as you would. You’ll have to want it badly enough, of course, but the end result will confirm that you’ve pushed yourself for the right reasons. There will always be a new hurdle, but they’ll become easier to conquer over time.
I am fifty, I am still here, and I am always kicking!
You are not alone… and neither am I!
Love you all šš MJ Aragon
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MJ’s 50th Birthday Celebration
*Bill My Love, you know you’re the best part of every day for me! Thank you for my lovely gifts they’re perfect! As well as the gorgeous flowers, cake, and wonderful gathering of friends and sushi! Much more than I would have ever asked for love. Thank you for your extra help, Diane; bringing the cake/flowers; and of course for being there! Mona & Les, Blake & Larry, Michelle, Anita, Chris & Amy, and Tony, thank you for simply being there to celebrate my 50th with us, and for the unexpected cards/gifts I received. So thoughtful š
Thank you for all of your love and sweet wishes, everyone! š MJ
FIBRO WARRIOR, My New Normal 
Welcome to 50. You made it! You put in the work and you are here! Much love, MJ!š
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Thank you! Love right back to you, my darling Kim šš
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