I won't back down...

     I had positively the most wonderful birthday party and tomorrow, I officially turn 37! This got me thinking on the car ride home about the prospect of turning another year older and the perceptions so much of our society holds about what is age appropriate. While I completely understand age restrictions that promote health and safety, I think that when it comes to everything else, we should stop focusing so much on what you are or aren't "too old" to be doing.
     Yesterday, I wore a blue unicorn wig, a multicolored tulle skirt, hot pink Doc Martins, and stripy socks because it made me feel deliriously happy. I got fake tattoos of unicorns and danced and played pin the horn on the unicorn! We had fun, so much fun, and inside my social circle, these activities are celebrated and embraced. Not everyone gets it. I have been asked many times in my life when I'm going to grow up or why I'm so weird. You know what, I am "grown up". I pay my taxes and my bills and keep house just like the rest of the world and, as for weird, I am who I am and it's so much fun!
     I once had my students write a paper in which they chose a theme song to describe themselves and their life. What is your mantra, I asked? What one song could you play for people that says if you understand this, then you understand me? I started off with my own example "I Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. That's been my jam for as long as I can remember.

You can stand me up at the gates of hell, but I won't back down, no I'll stand my ground, won't be turned around, and I'll keep this world from dragging me down. No, I won't back down.

What is your song? Whatever it is, may you jam on like the beautiful unicorn that you are.