Birthday

I take birthdays very seriously.  I believe that everyone should.  While there are many holidays sprinkled throughout the year, only one of those three hundred sixty five days is dedicated to the fact that you exist.  Birthdays are a reminder that you are seen.  You are celebrated.  You matter.

It's also the one day a year that you can eat an extra cupcake and no one will remind you that you're supposed to be on a diet.

Gifts are nice, sure, but I truly believe that the most important aspect of a birthday celebration is not the presents, but the PRESENCE (see what I did there?).  I've received many lovely and thoughtful gifts over the years, but what I appreciate the most is the effort that my friends and family make to ensure that I feel special every November 1st.  Gifts may be broken, lost, or discarded over time, but memories are forever (Alzheimer's aside).  Even friendships that did not last are important.  When I look at past birthday party pictures and see the faces of people who are no longer a significant part of my life, I feel nothing but grateful.  They were there.  They cared.

I think it's sad that as the number on the candles increase, a person's excitement about their birthday decreases.  I cannot imagine not wanting to celebrate in some way, however small.  You truly don't know if everyone you love right now will still be here when you celebrate your next birthday.  Just look at how many loved ones you've lost along life's journey already.  While your next birthday may not be your last, it may be the last one you get to spend with someone that means the world to you.  If you knew who would not be alive the next time you blew out the candles, would you choose to celebrate it differently? 

On Saturday, my candles will say "28."  I've survived for twenty eight years, and I'll be damned if I'm not going to celebrate that.  A lot has happened in that time, and there was never a guarantee that I would have even made it this far.  I may get lucky and have another sixty birthdays in my life.  I may not be, and this could be my last.  Either way, I'm going to do what I've always done.  I'm going to paint my nails with extra glitter, throw on my tiara and party dress, and laugh as much as possible with the people that I love most.  For one day this year, I'm going to let life be all about me.

And you can bet that I'll be eating that extra cupcake.  Guilt free.

xo C