Birthdays.

So it was recently my birthday and there was a part during that day I was sad that nothing that great was happening. I felt as if the universe or people in general just needed to bow down to me, and I don’t think that it’s just me. I believe that a lot of people feel that way on their birthdays. Now as I look back on it, I think that it was dumb of me to think that way.

Here are some reasons:

My parents came and visited me in college. They drove four hours to see me and, of course, stocked my entire pantry with food before they departed. Dope.

My parents again took me and all of my roommates to Olive Garden. I live in Iowa City; it doesn’t really get much fancier than that.

I had such a blessed amount of people acknowledge my existence and birth. I even had people buy me things and I’m 22! Like, I’d understand completely if I was, like, eight or even 21, but 22 is a bit old.

My mom was so happy the whole time I saw her, and making your mom happy in general is just dope.

My dad got me a Gold's Gym Shirt from Venice Beach, California. I’m not that muscular and the shirt is a cut off so I’m a tad bit afraid to wear it just yet because I don’t wanna ruin the rep of Gold’s Gym. My dad was thinking of me when he was out in California because my birthday was coming up. Again, this was dope.

One of my best friends visited me. We chilled on a rooftop of some dude’s house with a bunch of strangers that all seemed to like me. I even jumped off the rooftop and did a roll to perfectly land and everyone was impressed so that made me feel super cool.

I met a girl and she gave me her number, but not because it was my birthday, I hope. Whatever. Who cares.

I think overall, birthdays have become overrated. I want people to know that they shouldn’t expect anything on their birthdays but instead, appreciate what they have in front of them. Appreciate the things you have conquered at this age. Look at it as a way to check your progression as a person. You also get to find out that people do in fact care and love you. Birthdays are awesome only if you choose to make them awesome—regardless of how the day goes.