Once a year, you get 24 hours that are dedicated especially to celebrating you. (Well, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, considering you share your special day with an estimated 19 million people around the world, but you get the point.)

Twenty-four hours to celebrate all that you've accomplished in the last year, 24 hours to ponder what you want to achieve over the next 365 days, and 24 hours to eat more cake than humanly imaginable. Can you tell I really love birthdays?

Whether it be my own or one of my friends', I don't think there's anything better than a birthday. While, admittedly, time is a product of human innovation so age truly is just a number, it's inspiring to compare who you were a year ago to the person you are today.

While it might sound silly, I think that the most exciting thing about birthdays is the fact that, for one day, you have the perfect opportunity to celebrate the fact that you're starting another chapter/year of your life with your family and friends, to reminisce the successes and obstacles of the last year, and to rejoice that there are more opportunities to make even more memories on their way.

And I love my friends' birthdays, too, because it's the perfect chance to show them I'm glad they are part of my life.

Of course, your birthday itself matters less than the year that proceeds to follow it, but having a great birthday sure starts the year off on the right foot.

Now, go enjoy some cake!