I love birthdays. I've been thinking about it for a while on why I actually really, really love birthdays, and I got into the conclusion that it is because it's a celebration of life, both an ending and a beginning.
A fruitful year of existence passed, and birthday is as good as new year in serving as some sort of a marker in life. Try recalling a specific event in life. Example, when did you learn how to swim? Our instinctive response, or mine at least, will more likely indicate the age on when it happened. My response would be something like- "when I was 9 years old" or something. It may have a follow-up response with the actual year indicated, but yeah, for me it almost always starts with the age.
Birthdays mark the beginning of another year, a blank book waiting to be filled with exciting memories! Most would have "New Year's Resolutions", but hey, birthdays can be as good a time to set some goals for ourselves. When I was younger, I would think of future life-events at certain "age-point". For example, my thoughts were- "By the age of 26 I would have bought a house of my own." Or for others it can be like- "Before I turn 30 I should have this role at work". I'm sure you get what I mean.
Birthdays would normally trigger us to look back on our accomplishments and challenges, be grateful for the wins and learn on the losses. Birthdays would also inspire us to look ahead and really think about what we want out of life, which path we will choose to take.
I love all the attention received on my birthday. I appreciate even the slightest gestures that show I am remembered on my special day!
But I like it even more when I am able to make loved ones feel special.
Well-thought of gifts always works, but I am kind of fond of allowing words to flow to express how much loved and appreciated people around me are. I only get a few events per year as free passes for being too cheesy maybe (?) so I make sure to grab these opportunities and let my emotions be known in words. Of course it goes without saying that consistent corresponding action is shown everyday.
Gifts and words to show affection. Or just give a rocking rendition of the most popular song on earth, Happy Birthday To You, and you're good to go.
Happiest Birthday to the people I love most. You know who you are wink wink.
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