Birthdays…

So over the last 39 years I have learned some things about birthdays. I thought I would share what I have learned with you here.

Here are the 39 things I have learned about birthdays in no specific order.

1. Buy yourself a present. Maybe it’s a grande non-fat, vanilla, chai latte or maybe it’s a new pair a shoes, but do something nice for yourself as a treat.
2. Do nice things for other people. I have spent the last three years doing Random Acts of Kindness on my birthday and you just feel so good after.
3. Prepare for the ordinary. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean this in a bad way, but it is another day after all so know there might be some birthdays that are just like any other day, and that isn’t always a bad thing.
4. Be glad. So many people don’t get to see another birthday or even another day for that matter. Cherish the day you were born and be glad.
5. You don’t have to have cake. I know some people live for cake, but if you aren’t a cake person you can have whatever you want with a candle in it. Seriously we do birthday pancakes at our house. Or you don’t even need a candle, maybe you need a birthday vodka or birthday yoga. Whatever you like; it’s your birthday.
6. You can throw your own birthday party.
7. You can change your mind about a party and throw your own last-minute party the day of your birthday or the day after. When-evs.
8. Look back on your year; good and bad; and soak it all in.
9. Make a goal for your new year. What do you want to accomplish?
10. The youth is not wasted on the young. Young is a state of mind and nothing is wasted.
11. If you drop off cookies at a fire station as one of your random acts of kindness – there is a bell at the door. Just saying, in case you don’t want to walk around the fire station like an idiot with a plate of cookies.
12. Let your loved ones spoil you.
13. Get excited.
14. Laugh a lot.
15. Cry if you want to…it’s in a song. That makes it official.
16. Don’t half ass two things; whole ass one thing – thank you Parks and Recreation you nailed it. Serious go out and do you and be you and make no apologies. It’s your freaking birthday.
17. You are never too old to try something new.
18. There are do overs every single day, minute, and second. So offer yourself grace. There is no set time or age when something HAS to be accomplished.
19. Leave a place better than you found it. Always make time to do good. To notice good. To compliment good in others. Even on your birthday.
20. Make time for your friends and family right that minute. It’s icing on the cake.
21. Dance – even if it’s in the kitchen for 5 minutes to your favorite song and no one else witnesses it. Everyone should dance on their birthday!
22. Let someone sing you happy birthday; even if you think it’s dumb.
23. Do at least one thing that makes YOU happy.
24. Call your mom. And your dad. Or whoever raised you. Thank them for putting up with you for however many years. It is a special day for them, too.
25. Make new memories. The best things aren’t in the past. The best things are right now.
26. Let others celebrate you.
27. The day is what you make of it; not what everyone else makes of it.
28. It might be okay to have a birthday week. Some people who I love celebrate for a whole week. I mean if you can, why not?
29. If you want something to happen on your birthday ask for it. People aren’t mind readers.
30. You can get a free scoop of ice cream at Baskin Robbins if you are a member of the birthday club, you can’t just walk in and ask for one. It apparently doesn’t work that way. Just in case you are wondering.
31. Don’t wait for next year. The year moves fast and if you want to do something make the plans and do it.
32. Birthday hugs are gold.
33. Most gifts do not come in packages.
34. You DO NOT have to laundry or dishes on your birthday – for realsies – and if someone says you do. Put up the hand. You do not have to do that on your birthday.
35. Bills still come in the mail on your birthday – it’s not just birthday cards in the mailbox. Seriously, they should work that out at the post office. You have to write your birth date down on everything. It’s not like they don’t know.
36. You still have to drive your kids to all their stuff. It is another day after all.
37. Let your light shine (bright like a diamond) – it’s okay to LOVE your birthday.
38. Find a way to truly love yourself. This year is my best yet. At 39 I finally LOVE who I am. But if you can do it sooner I highly suggest it.
39. One year, do something you have always wanted to do. Even if everyone else thinks it is silly. Like if you want to go to Nashville and your husband is like, “What of all the places in the world you want to go to Nashville.” Go anyway. Do it any way. It is YOUR birthday after all.

Those are just a few of the things I have learned. I am sure you have learned other valuable lessons. But as I say good-bye to 38, I have no regrets. I am looking forward for another year, another moment, another second to live this life.

So grateful,