Simple

I delight in celebrating people's birthdays -- often to their considerable surprise -- perhaps because my own is the axis of my year. Yesterday was Ardath Rodale's birthday. But it's "'Tis a Gift to Be Simple," the old Shaker tune, that is running through my head today in place of "Happy Birthday" . "Ardie" brings "simplicity" to life.

We don't spend nearly enough time with Ardie's. But along with 11 million others, we also know her from her writing. Her third book, "Everyday Miracles: Meditations on Living a Meaningful Life" collects some of the "Reflections" column she writes monthly for "Prevention" magazine. And the book fulfills the promise of its title.

At any age, Ardie's life would daunt most of us years or even decades younger than she. Well into her 7th decade, she only recently graduated from Chairman of the Board of Rodale, Inc. to "Chief Inspiration Officer" . Every day she's either at work or traveling for it. She continues her active role at Rodale Institute, which just celebrated its own birthday, 60 years promoting organic ways to grow things. And she stays actively engaged in the lives of her large family, her legion of friends, and the community she embraces - the world.

What makes Ardie particularly special in my book is her deep concern for the earth and for advocating ways we can promote life instead of destroying it. Her enthusiastic engagement in making the world a better place - every day - seems as boundless as it is action-oriented. The optimism she has learned as she has rebounded from cancer on three separate occasions distinguishes her even more. And she makes it all seem so simple!

So, here's to the gift of simplicity, and to Ardath Rodale. Happy Birthday, Ardie! Your zest for life is simply another everyday miracle.