Thirty-Four.

So here are a few select quotes on age, and my thoughts on them.

We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly. We grow partially. We are relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another. The past, present, and future mingle and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in the present. We are made up of layers, cells, constellations.
- Anais Nin

The term arrested development seems to come up more frequently for me. I feel fulfilled and grown in certain areas, yet alarmingly stunted in others. Most of this, I think, stems from my inability to adequately express my feelings verbally to the most important people in my life. Which has lead to situations where I've indeed acted childish, instead of as someone who can reason things out in a rational manner. You know, like an adult. Don't get me wrong ... my self-perception is positive overall, but I have a lot to work on.

People like you and I, though mortal of course like everyone else, do not grow old no matter how long we live ... [We] never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.
- Albert Einstein (in a letter to Otto Juliusburger)

There is a difference between childish and childlike. One of the things I pride myself on is that although I consider myself grown-up, I've kept my childlike sense of wonder mostly intact. I still surprise myself by marvelling at the little things in life, and being astounded by the sheer size of the world. I can only hope that this sense of wonder stays with me.

Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young.
- Sir Arthur Pinero

Age does not protect you from love, but love to some extent protects you from age.
- Jeanne Moreau

This I wholeheartedly believe in 300%. Love is easy and love is complicated, but love is essential to a fulfilling life. There's no way around it. The trick is learning how to love right.

Live your life and forget your age.
- Norman Vincent Peale

Such a simple quote, but it packs enough wisdom to last me forever.

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Happy Birthday to me.