I usually have a song stuck in my head. I often wonder what this says about my psyche but I might be just a little afraid to ask. I might find out that it means someone sedated me and implanted a small radio in my brain or something crazy like that.

Today I have “Here’s to Life” by Shirley Horn stuck in my head. It’s beautiful, haunting, optimistic, and yet it seems to portray the complexity of emotions that fills our lives. When I listen to it, I simultaneously want to drink a glass a champagne, cry, and dance.

With the recent milestone of 50lbs and other changes in my life, it seems all too appropriate of a song for me.

No complaints and no regrets.
I still believe in chasing dreams and placing bets.
But I have learned that all you give is all you get, so give it all you got.
I had my share, I drank my fill, and even though I’m satisfied I’m hungry still
To see what’s down another road, beyond a hill and do it all again.
So here’s to life and all the joy it brings.
Here’s to life the dreamers and their dreams.
Funny how the time just flies,
How love can turn from warm hellos to sad goodbyes,
And leave you with the memories you’ve memorized,
To keep your winters warm.
There’s no yes in yesterday.
And who knows what tomorrow brings or takes away.
As long as I’m still in the game I want to play
For laughs, for life, for love.
So here’s to life and all the joy it brings.
Here’s to life, the dreamers and their dreams.
May all your storms be weathered,
And all that’s good get better.
Here’s to life, here’s to love, here’s to you.
May all your storms be weathered,
And all that’s good get better.
Here’s to life, here’s to love, here’s to you.

I would embed a YouTube video of the song here but, frankly, I don’t know how. Go listen to it, though, I’ll wait…

Back? Good.

Indulge me for a moment, and raise an imaginary (or real) glass for a toast. I’ll pretend that mine is champagne but you can use whatever… I won’t judge.

Here’s to the next 50lbs and all it will bring.

Here’s to growing, changing, and finding ourselves.

Here’s to learning to forgive those who have hurt us.

Here’s to finally feeling like you belong in your own family.

Here’s to drinking, dancing, and trying new things.

Here’s to sex, the possibility of love, and those who were once strangers.

Here’s to loving what you see in the mirror.

Here’s to running without popping a lung.

Here’s to friends who have become family and strangers who have become friends.

Here’s to finding my collar bones.

Here’s to the journey.

Here’s to you for reading, commenting, and supporting me.

Here’s to the queen (arbitrary family tradition).

What are you toasting this holiday season? Leave it in the comments so we all can toast along!