What's so "special" about a birthday? (5 things to consider)

2018 February 19, Monday

Some people love to celebrate their birthdays and have mastered the art of rallying their pals & family together for a good time. I, on the other hand, am usually at a strange loss for creativity when it comes to dealing with my own big day. 

The thoughts that usually run through my mind are, "What's the point? It's literally just another day" or "I have other things to do." 

But in an effort to see things from a more positive perspective this year, I have willed myself to deal with this question for once, and hopefully, for all.

After mulling over this question for a long time (and since my birthday is 5 days away), I have condensed my thoughts to the top 5 things to consider that are special about a birthday:

  1. Someone carried you for 9 months.
    1. In a very economic sense, the person who bore you could have spent those 9 months traveling, mastering a hobby, or pursuing a life-long dream, but nahh, they stuck with keeping you for 9 months in hopes that you could have an awesome life. So sit down, be humble. 
  2. People love and care about you (no matter how "fake" those once-a-year birthday messages may seem).
    1. OK, maybe you can get a little salty when someone you haven't talked to in forever sends you that late DM or posts on your wall saying,"Happy Birthday!" so take it as you will – but think about how those people were placed in your life for a reason. There are people out there who care about your well-being and want to wish you well; why not give yourself the grace to be appreciated? Let's be thankful for those lovely people.  
  3. One/365 Days, just 24/8,760 hours in a year, make this day YOURS. 
    1. Your annual birthday is a reminder of your entry into the world. If this day never existed, you wouldn't be here. It's okay to be a little extra. (Question: How do leap-year babies celebrate their birthdays?)
  4. Birthday deals.
    1. Love to shop? (I do...) Get this, I recently became an Insider at Madewell, and since my birthday is coming up, I used a $25 birthday deal to purchase some nice denim! Sephora, Ulta, or other brands also have great birthday specials, so if you've got the time to browse... you know what to do. If you like frozen yogurt,  Menchie's ice cream gives a cup to its members for free on their big day! One might think it's a huge corporate ploy to lure you into birthday deals, but... does it make you a little happier? TREAT YOURSELF. (lol at when this motto gets out of control).
  5. Another year of lessons + blessings. 
    1. What has each year of life taught you – a little more about yourself, the world around you, or both? Did you meet any of your personal (or professional) goals?
      1. Last year, I made it a goal to be more adventurous, and I have to admit that 2017 was one of the best years I ever lived through. Recently, my sisters imparted some wisdom on me that perhaps the reason you encounter old issues is that you never really learned from them in the beginning. This year's goal is definitely in the works, but I'm really looking forward to reflecting again next year. 
      2. I guess the reality is: How might we improve since the last time we dealt with a problem?

I just spent the last few hours thinking about my birthday, and I have midterms this week... I've treated myself way too much... but I definitely feel a lot more comfortable saying good-fricken-BYE to my teen years. SO.... cheers to another year around the Sun! Happy Birthday and celebrate your heart out. ♥️

Claire S Lee