Celebrating The Thirty-Third Anniversary Of My Thirtieth Birthday: Still Here, Still Fighting.
Hey, it's almost midnight. Do you know what that means? My birthday is almost here!
Today, I celebrate the thirty-third anniversary of my thirtieth birthday. Some people see me as arrogant or deceitful when I say I'm celebrating the "thirty-third anniversary of my thirtieth birthday." This way of celebrating has a deep spiritual and emotional significance for me. In my early twenties, I faced a life-altering medical diagnosis, with a doctor telling me I wouldn't make it to see my thirtieth year.
That moment became a turning point for me. I defied those odds and embraced life instead. As a symbol of that choice, I celebrate my birthdays as anniversaries of my thirtieth birthday. This allows me to honor the miracle that is my life and reminds me that I have overcome incredible odds. So here's to the thirty-third anniversary of my thirtieth birthday, a testament to the living miracle I am.
Today is also a bittersweet moment, as it would have also been the birthday of our dear friend, Brother Harold Ruston, who left us on January 5th of this year. He was not just a member of our church but a pillar of wisdom and kindness. He filled rooms with love and laughter, guided us through moments of doubt, and celebrated with us in times of joy. We may have shared the same birthday, as I often joked, "But you are older, and he would say, but wisdom knows no age." Today, I find my heart heavy but also filled with gratitude for the life he led and the lessons he imparted into my life.
Today is a day of reflection, and I'm also thinking about my parents, Yvonne and Billy. I miss them, but their teachings still help me every day. My birthday, mate. The late Brother Harold Ruston, if he were here, Brother Ruston would say, is there an early Brother Harold Ruston?
It's been another challenging year, medically speaking. While my PSA numbers had remained low, the numbers started to climb again this year. My doctors found a few new growths, and my doctors recommended 28 treatments of radiation again. At first, the insurance refused to cover the radiation. But, the prayer warriors at Victory Fellowship Church went to work, and the insurance company changed their minds. I will be here for a radiation treatment today. That's right, happy birthday. Yet, just like in the past, the odds may have been against me, but I’ve never been one to bow to probabilities. I'm still here, still fighting, and still hopeful. You better not bet against me; the house always loses in the game of my life.
I am still here, defying the odds and that terminal prognosis some years ago. Every year that rolls by, I see it as another chapter in the living miracle I am. A big shout-out to the Man Upstairs for that and a resounding 'try again' to the face of death.
Speaking of chapters, get ready for some Breaking News!
I finally did it—I finished my first book! Yes, yes, yes! Let the church say yes. And here is the kicker: I have thirty more books nearly ready to roll. Yep, thirty! It sounds like I am running a whole book factory over here. But let me be straight with you for a minute because this was not easy.
See, I am a perfectionist. It is like a disease, and I am in rehab for it (Therapy). That is why it took me so long to get this book. I have been stuck in this loop, just paralyzed by all the "what ifs." You know what I am talking about. "What if people hate it? What if it does not sell? What if trolls come crawling out of the shadows?" Wow, it was a mental prison. Getting this book done was like running a marathon uphill.
Here is the kicker: this was not even supposed to be my first book! Nope! I have been rewriting, editing, and obsessing over my "first" book for so long that I became discouraged from the project! I was stuck. So, I switched it up and did something short but impactful to get the blood pumping again. And guess what? It worked! Because I am now a published author!
Is this the book I originally wanted to come out with first? No, it is not. But guess what? It is my book. It is mine, and I am proud of it. Sometimes, you must get out of your way, stop chasing perfection, and make things happen. This may not have been the book I planned, but it is the book that is here, and that is all that matters.
So, here is the deal—grab a copy, dive in, and join me on this ride. It is going to be full of laughs, a few life lessons, and a whole lot of real talk. And remember what I always say: life is not about the destination—it is all about the journey. And yes, that journey comes with some bumps, bruises, and a whole lot of twists and turns, but that is what makes it worth the ride!
You know the saying 'Die Empty'? It means a lot to me. Looking back on the past year, I've given a lot of myself to the world. But I still have more to offer—more places to go, people to help, and things to achieve.
I try to live each day like it's my last. Maybe it's because of what I've been through, but I deeply value time. Each moment is precious, and I plan to make the most of it.
Here's to enjoying life with all its good and bad parts. Let's aim for a life full of kindness and things to be proud of.
Look, I need to put together a team, for I have come to realize that I am only one person. I NEED HELP!!!! If you have some skills, do let me know. I need editors, social media people, agents, business managers, and graphic arts people, but I don’t have any money yet. Smiling!
I wish you the same happiness as I blow out my birthday candles. May you find simple joys, surprise love, and peace even when things are tough.
Thank you so much for being a part of my life story. Get ready because exciting things are coming, and I can't wait to share them with you.
I am continuously thankful, always alive, and always myself.
Paul Steven Smith
