It was my birthday over the weekend and one of my friends made me some chocolate brownies.

They are awesome, she's a fantastic baker.  In fact, as a result of having Julie's brownies over the years I can no longer order a brownie when I'm out.  They are always disappointing in comparison.

I have managed to resist eating all of them though, so we have a treat for when we are in Cornwall.

My birthday weekend was really quiet compared to the debauchery of my past birthdays.  I spent the night in watching Saturday tele with Fran and a friend, had a stir fry and made a dent in some of the treats I had as gifts.

I was on a NeuroKinetic Therapy course on Sunday in Chester and didn't fancy a hangover for the drive up.  My brain is always a little hazy too following a boozy night and I wanted to be able to concentrate.

I use my birthday to take stock of my year and what is happening in my life.

I'm in a really good place and appreciate everything that I have and the people who are in my life.

As a whole I believe we all need to focus more on the good we have in our lives and less on the negative aspects of the world that we have little control over.

I sleep well, have reasonable fitness, eat a generally good diet and have friends and family that support me in my life.  

I don't really need much else.

Be grateful for what you have, we really don't know how long we'll have it for. 

One of my closest friends Dad's died suddenly last week.  He's lucky, he regularly spent time with him and let him know how much he cared for him.

I meet so many people who have lost contact with friends and family over pretty minor things when we look back on them and put them in perspective of the big picture.  

Life changes in a instant, learn to forgive and be grateful for those you have around you.

Be brave and let them know.

Darren 'older and a little wiser' Checkley