For anyone who knows me and my family, they know how big birthdays are in my household. My mom always claims an entire week of August in her honor (and sometimes even extends it to the month). I've grown up in a household where it's normal to have a huge "happy birthday" banner and cards decorating our foyer for some time after said person's birthday.

These celebrations have made me cherish birthdays like no other.

The past two years, I have not been home with my family to celebrate my birthday and it has made me realize a lot about the significance of birthdays and what it means to celebrate a person.

Last year, I was with some dear friends of mine and they made my day so special for me, making me personalized pancakes, surprising me with a gift, taking me out to dinner. Even though I wasn't with my family, I felt like I was because of the manner of the day.

This year was different. I am currently staying in Houston for my internship with Teach for America and my birthday happened to be a normal work day. I worked from 9-5, using my break times to answer back all the messages of love I was receiving.

I think the concept of birthdays can seem selfish to some, but I see no issue with taking one day out of the year to not only celebrate, but reflect on the past year and mark your next year on earth.

Birthdays have always been filled with emotions for me, because in reflecting on how the past year has gone, I recognize that I am constantly changing and growing.

Luckily, I had a celebration with my family back home before I left for Houston, yet I still found myself missing them, missing the uniqueness of the day I normally share with them.

I think, looking back at it now, not physically celebrating my birthday on the day itself allowed me to feel the love that was being sent to me from my loved ones back home more fully. I received so many kind, thoughtful messages from my family and friends, people who took time out of their day to reach out to me and let me know how much I meant them.

I say this in gratitude to all the wonderful people in my life.

Even hundreds of miles from home, I still was able to feel all the love and joy that you sent to me, the way in which you wanted me to be celebrated. I think this love and joy is something that we ought to always strive to radiate towards others, particularly on their special day.

Having a work day on my birthday made me realize that sometimes, a birthday can feel like "just a normal day" and that is okay because there will always be people in your life who are there for you.

Fill your life with people who make you feel loved and celebrated every day, and birthday celebrations may not even be necessary (though they never hurt :) ).

Something I want to start doing is making sure the people around me and the people far from me, anyone that matters in my life, know how important they are to me and how grateful I am for them, not just on their birthday, but every day.

Here's to continuing to celebrate our loved ones near and far all days.

Talk soon,

Sam