My post birthday thoughts were written on paper on 10th August and I decided to share them today.
Post Birthday Thoughts
Sitting at the poolside of a holiday resort in Goa, I am distracted by the many sounds around me. And yet I am determined to write something today. I had planned to write every day of this holiday, but like so many of my good intentions, I didn’t see this through.
At the risk of repeating something that I’ve been mentioning for a while now, the past year has been one of great loss for me. I had thought that this birthday I would be able to move forward. But life always has other plans. We received shocking news of the prospect of losing another loved one. Yes, the Big C made an appearance all of a sudden. This makes it hard to move forward.
Another thing holding me back is when I see bad-intentioned – bordering on evil – people ‘winning’. This is something I really struggle with. The apparent victory of falsehood and shallowness over authenticity and truth hurts! Why do people seem to believe and follow what is false when the truth is staring them in the face? Is it easier to do? Are people not willing to pay the price of authenticity?
Let me get on to more pleasant things. Like the fact that my dear husband insisted that we go ahead with our holiday plans. He was determined that I have a peaceful birthday this year and I sure got one!
I was overwhelmed by the wishes and affection from so many people – some of whom I least expected to remember or wish me. Small gestures of affection go a long way to make me happy and I felt truly blessed.

My birthday was a good time to celebrate my husband’s unfailing love and concern for me. The kind of c*** I’ve put him through directly and indirectly over the last year, would have sent a lesser man running for the hills! If anything, these experiences have brought us closer as we have reassessed our values as individuals and as a couple.
Talking, reading, eating good food and resting have made this holiday a fantastic one. I can’t believe just how much we needed to sleep. Sleep, when not used an escape, can be a great healer.
As we get back to the ‘real’ world, I have much to look forward to – getting our two bundles of joy back home, moving house and starting to work in my new office. Most of all, I’m looking forward to creating a lot more.

If I was to choose a word for my birthday resolution it would be ‘allow’. I want to allow new experiences, new people, new ideas, new dreams in and allow all that doesn’t serve me to go out.
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Belated Happy Birthday Corinne!
Happy birthday once again Corinne. Peaceful birthdays are the best when you get to quietly spend time with the few people you love. I hope this year brings only good things for you.
Lovely positive post, corinne. You come across as a wise and sensible person and I like your no nonsense writing too. Glad you didn’t let the bad win over your happiness. Peace to you.
Again a very very happy birthday dear and I loved this post. Loved your birthday resolution word, “Allow”, indeed it is really great and creates a positive vibe instantly. wishing you all the best for great success in your venture. may your dreams come true.
“Allow’ is a great word, Corinne. I just loved how simple yet beautifully you wrote this post. There was so much warmth in the words. I could almost feel transcended to a peaceful place through this post. Wish you a great year ahead. I am going through little bit of struggle since my birthday but I believe I shall overcome. Love and hugs
You are such an inspiring personality. What a beautiful post full of positivity and possibilities. Pls add one more item in your list – allow yourself to come down to Kolkata. I would love to meet you in person.
So glad that these post-birthday meanderings are happening pool-side and that you are living your way toward peace in the upcoming year.
Allow… that’s such a beautiful, accepting and positive word. Love that you will be letting this word guide you all year through. Glad that you had a peaceful and happy birthday and all the very best to you for the new beginnings at home and work. ♥
Happy Birthday again Corinne. Some things are out of control like illness. Perhaps, during such times, we realise the phrase ‘to live in the moment’. Glad you could take a break. I missed your new venture totally. Congratulations and my best wishes to you for The Frangipani Creatives. The Krishna temple near my home in Kerala has a huge frangipani tree. Its ground is always strewn around with these fragrant flowers. They are so beautiful.
You have an amazing blog. I also attempted the Monday Musings yesterday. Belated birthday wishes…
Happy Birthday. Glad you had a wonderful and relaxing time. All the best for your move and new work.
Corinne I’m so very happy for you, that you managed a peaceful, relaxed birthday, after a whirlwind year so far. You deserve that and more. Will be praying for your Uncle every day.
Allow is such a optimistic word and liberating word. It’s cleanses all the barriers and portends fresh new beginnings. All the very best to you for a blissfully magical year ahead.
Love and light <3
Forgive the innumerable typos, have been nursing an awful sinus headache for three- four days now.
I am glad you could have a peaceful time away. Allow is a nice word. Your explanation of the importance of this word makes sense to me. I wish you all the best for the coming year.
Glad you’re holiday was a welcome respite . Corinne , your sunny spirit is what takes you forward and I hope you continue to face life in this way. May this year be a productive and creative one for you ….
Belated birthday wishes Corinne. This is such a lovely and positive post. Allow is word full of positive vibes too.
Reading about your husband’s wish for a peaceful bday really warms my heart. It’s a blessing to have someone love and care for you so much. After all that you have been through, you truly deserve some peace. Belated Happy Birthday.
Thank you very much, Raji. I try not to take that blessing for granted.
Ah the big C yet again? … passing on loads of best wishes to the person. Your birthday otherwise has turned out well, surround yourself with positive thoughts and the year should turn out fine
Happy to know that you had a rejuvenating holiday, Corinne. Sometimes such breaks help us introspect and explore ourselves. I loved the word “allow”, it’s full of positivity and possibilities. Wish you a great year ahead filled with happiness and good health.
I’m so happy to hear that you had a peaceful birthday despite the difficult circumstances. How nice of your husband! I wish you many more happiness and peace in the coming g days and forever! ❤️
I’m so happy to hear that you had a peaceful birthday! Good food and healthy sleep are powerful healers indeed. Allow sounds like a lovely word to take you forward on the next cycle of life.
A word as the birthday resolution! This is something new. Felt as if one is giving return gift to self on one’s birthday! Brilliant idea Corinne.
Break well planned and well executed can earn a year round freshness and energy. Glad that you had one!
One can take on the situations as they are when one is content from within. I hope this break at Goa gave you much needed cushioning to start on new project and challenges. Wishing you a good start and a steady progress with your new endeavor.
Loved what you said about sleep. It indeed is a healer, and the dreamcatcher image goes well with the quote. The opening line of your post brought back the Friday memories. Glad we could meet. Best wishes for your new office. 🙂
A beautiful birthday spent in serene Goa with loved ones add beauty to the soul, Corinne. It also gets to me when I see mean people not being stopped by the forces of justice. Guess, as humans, we gotta be more patient!