Above my head the stars do shine
Each star is like a flame,
And one is mine, that o’er me shone
When to this earth I came.
Upon this Earth my step is firm,
The stones are ‘neath my feet
I see the birds and beasts and flowers,
And loving people greet.
And every year the day returns
When my star shineth bright,
And I receive within my heart
The glory of its light.
-from “Waldorf Education: A Family Guide”, page 130
Birthdays in the Waldorf tradition for small children often involve a cape and a crown, lovely homemade cupcakes that are not too sugary, wishes from others for the development of character traits or the simple things in life, simple gifts of unusual stones, shells, flower petals. It may involve a story of the child’s birth. As the years go by, the cape and crown and simple gifts may recede, but the sentiments remain the same.
Today is my birthday, and I find it is an amazing day full of gratitude. I am so grateful for all the things I learned in the last year, even the hard things! I am grateful to be here for yet another birthday (47 today!), and grateful my husband has celebrated 29 birthdays with me.
Being in the late 40’s is empowering. The crisis of 35-42 is gone, and I find these late 40s on the cusp of a new cycle to be one of imagination, newness, warmth, and confidence. I am so looking forward to this year and to 49 next year – the beginning of a new seven year cycle of 49-56 which I hope will bring more fun, more adaptability and humor. My husband expressed to me this morning that life is a journey and how we enjoy the ride together. This may sound like a cliche, but not at our age. There are so many new possibilities to be open to, and the ability to grow and change together. I have ideas just flowing into my head lately, and hope to be able to make at least a small part of them reality!
I hope when you have your birthday, you remind yourself of your own special energy, your own special thing that you bring to this short walk on earth, the wonderful gifts that you bring, and all the possibilities that life has for you. It should be no less special to have birthday when we are fifty than when we are four. Let us not forget!
Many blessings to you, my friends, and thank you for reading here.
Carrie
The Parenting Passageway 
Happy, happy birthday to you, Carrie! I hope your day and your coming year are filled with joy, wonder, and growth!
Thank you so much, Nicola! Hope things are going well with you!
Blessings,
Carrie
Many happy returns of the day Carrie and we are the exact same age! Like you said exciting things are happening and it feels great!! Got bless you with abundance and fulfilment in all that you do.
Much love,
Nirupama
Thank you, Nirupama!
Blessings,
Carrie
Happy birthdaayy!!!
Thank you!
Blessings,
Carrie
Dear Carrie,
Happy Burthday to you.
I am a newly registered to your page. You are inspiring me with your posts . I am also 47 with three children. The Waldorf system provides us as patents with a very holistic approach to parenting. Would it be possible to ask you specific parenting questions?
Blessings love and light to you and your family.
Margaret
Hi Margaret,
Of course. You can feel free to comment on any post, even old ones, and I will answer or if it is more sensitive in nature feel free to email me at admin@theparentingpassageway.com
Blessings,
Carrie
Thank you so much Carrie,
Margaret x
Dear Carrie, I wish many blessings on your special day. Happy birthday 🎉! Thank you for all the goodness, guidance and giving of yourself you show on your parenting/ teaching page. I have garnered many gems from your sharing. Recently you invited me to email you regarding the disciplinary methods of Waldorf tradition. I will do so shortly,
Once more, happiest day. 💙🎊🎂🌷🌹🌈🎁💜♌️👑
Thank you, Melissa Rose!
Looking forward to your email.
Blessings,
Carrie
Wonderful reflections and thank you for sharing! I can feel the excitement from your words as you near a new cycle of life! Happy birthday to you! Sheila
Thank you, Sheila! It is an exciting time to be alive, for sure!
Blessings,
carrie
Happy Birthday!
Your blog has been a go-to for me for at least 8 years.
My three kids are slightly younger than each of yours,
and you have been that mom who I trust,
who is a little further down the path from me.
I celebrate you! Happy Birthday!
Thank you, Heidi!
Blessings!
Carrie
Happy Birthday, Carrie!!! Hooray for 47! I am 47, too, although much younger in “mom” years. Having a baby (first and only) at 40 has been a heart expanding, life bending experience. Thank you for all the wisdom and love you share with other parents.
Much happiness in your new year!
Chris
Chris,
Thank you so much!
Blessings,
carrie
Happy Birthday Carrie! Thank you for all you freely give to us! Blessings on the year ahead!