Many people have issues with celebrating birthdays, because they see it as a material and self-centered occasion. However, that is not the purpose of celebrating a birthday. It is a celebration of life, health, and all the good things in your life, regardless of how many bad things come with them.
I don’t care if you are turning twenty-fun or 73 years-old; your birthday matters. Self love and celebrating life is always worthwhile. Sure, some birthdays are more eventful than others. It’s not every day that you are legally allowed to drive, buy cigarettes, drink, or no longer qualify for the children’s menu, but that doesn’t make any birthday less valuable.
This past Thursday, February 1st, I turned 20 years old. Now isn’t that a terrifying thought? I have been alive for two whole decades! When you look at my clumsiness and my knack for making dumb decisions, it’s a miracle I am still standing. I know what you’re thinking, twenty is a terrible birthday. It means you are still a whole year away from being able to get margs at La Piedad with your big or from dancing at bars instead of frat houses. But that simply is not the case.
My birthday could not have been better.
Don’t get me wrong, it was nothing extravagant. I went through my day as usual. I went to my classes, did my homework, worked out, and even finished the night by studying for a quiz the next day. The only out of the ordinary event that occurred was going out to dinner at my favorite pizza place. What made the day so special were the people in my life. I received texts from so many people, both my best friends, and those in my life that I speak to on occasion.
My friends posted pictures of us together, plenty of embarrassing ones included in the mix. My best friends decorated my room and got me a birthday princess crown and sash to wear at dinner. I didn’t get crazy gifts or a huge surprise party. I simply felt loved and appreciated by all the people in my life. Thank you, to everyone reading this who made me feel so worth it.
Birthdays should be spent making someone feel so treasured. It is a day to remind someone that they matter, and that you are thankful to have them in your life. Nowadays, mental health decline and the lack of self worth that many young adults feel is alarming. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, there is an average of 123 suicides per day. Every day 123 people feel like life is not worth living anymore. So, you cannot tell me that it is dumb to celebrate each and every year of life you live.
People die every day from diseases, suicide, freak accidents and natural causes. Millions of children die every year and never get to experience life as an adult. Every single day that God blesses you here on earth is a day worth celebrating. No one is guaranteed tomorrow, so don’t you dare not cherish today. I urge you to look at every day as an opportunity, and every birthday as an absolute blessing.