Birthdays are always a special day in our lives. They remind us that we have a new year passed and that we have been blessed to continue our journey here. Birthdays are a time for people to party, give gifts and celebrate. I love all these things, but I have found that I love it more when it's someone else's birthday. It's so rewarding to make someone feel loved and appreciated and feel special on their special day.
As a child, birthday celebrations were very special occasions and I always eagerly awaited them each year. I was happy to receive gifts and to have fun with family and friends, and I was happy to eat delicious food. But, as I got older, my viewpoints shifted. I started to understand that the best thing to do is not always to receive but to give. When I see a smile on someone's face that has been brought on by the thoughtfulness I showed in doing something for him, it gives me a sense I cannot describe but of fulfillment.
I'm really excited when someone else in my life has a birthday. I begin to think of ways I can make today special for them. Sometimes it is expressed in a meaningful birthday card. It can also be a surprise phone call, a little gift, or just spending time with them. It doesn't need to be a costly item. I think the best birthday presents are the most simple ones. No gift is more valuable than a heartfelt gift of love and appreciation.
I love creating personal birthday messages. I prefer to let people know in a brief "Happy Birthday" what good they've done in my life rather than just send a short email. I express my appreciation to them and how I am so thankful for their friendship/care/sincerity. In many instances individuals live their life without knowing how important they are to others. Your birthday is a great time to show them.
Seeing families and friends together celebrating a loved one is very special to me too. With the fast pace of life, individuals may be busy at work, at school, and with their duties. Birthdays offer opportunities for taking a breath and reflecting on relationship. They remind us that life isn't just about reaching a goal, but also about being concerned with the people who accompany us on our journey.
I'm not quite as loud when it's my birthday. With that being said, I don't hate to have my birthday. I'm always thankful to see another year, as life is a remarkable thing. But, I am more likely to be thinking about things on my birthday, instead of asking for it. I reflect on what has happened over the past year, what I have learnt and what I hope to achieve in the future. It becomes a private time of thanks and reflection.
A lot of times I find myself saying "thank you, God, for protecting, guiding and blessing me this year. At times life was not easy. It wasn't easy, there were bumps and bruises, and there were times of doubt. But, I can see how much I've progressed in my thinking about it. As I get ready to celebrate my birthday, I remember that all my experiences, whether good or bad, they have all helped me to grow and become the person I am today and will become in the future.
My birthday next year I'd like to get something simple but meaningful. I would rather have a small gathering with my loved ones, than a big one. I would be happy if I could share a meal, have some nice conversation, laugh and make great memories. These moments are so vividly etched in our memories that they stay with us for a lifetime, in contrast to the memory of a costly party or a grand event.
I would also really like to use my birthday to give a blessing to someone else. I think giving back can make a birthday even more special whether it be for someone in need, to support a charitable cause, or help someone who's going through a difficult time. It's really wonderful to know that you made another person happy through the celebration.
I am on a growth journey and I'm discovering that birthdays aren't just about cake, gift, and decor. They are a reminder of the worth and value of life, a time to give thanks and a time to bond together. They remind us of the importance of recognizing the people around us and of what we've learned on our path.
I might be more of a birthday cheater than I am a birthday celebrant, but each birthday is worthy of celebration. When we are on the receiving end of it, or we are the ones spreading it, we get the opportunity to be kind, make memories and be loving. After all, this is what makes birthdays special.
Thank you for reading my entry to Ladies of Hive Contest #293.
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