We all have them, but we may not all celebrate them. Birthdays. The day to celebrate your life on Earth and the creation of a mother. A day dedicated to you and approximately 19 million others. Birthdays of those who have since passed are even celebrated. That’s how serious birthdays really are. They should be, they are the celebration of time and memories.
I for one love birthdays. Not mine in particular, but the idea and celebration of another year of life for a person. July is a month where my family and friends celebrate many birthdays, mine included. My aunt is first, well July second actually. She is then proceeded by almost 20 family and friends. All ending on my birthday, July 28t This year has brought to light my love of birthdays. It’s an odd love, more like an obsession. I love knowing someone is about to celebrate their year of life, their day. Some look at birthdays as growing older and getting closer to death, but why think of life like that? Life--embrace it, live it.
As I make new friends, I always learn their birthdays. Their days give me something to look forward to. I love to put a genuine smile on anyone’s face, but getting to make someone smile on their birthday is all the more special. I enjoy knowing that no matter how much my friend is dreading her 26 birthday, I can still help her see her birthday as a celebration of life and happiness. Birthdays are your days, and a bit of your parents--after all, they did create you.
To brighten my friends’ day probably brings me more joy than my friends themselves. My friend did say to me there was a possibility that I was more excited than she was for her own birthday. I have gone overboard and surprised friends, decorated their entire rooms, thrown surprise parties, made countless cakes, sang “Happy Birthday” more times than probably necessary, and have made the cutest cards. Time is such a valuable measurement, why not celebrate and cherish it?
I’ve come to realize that birthdays are a big deal to a lot of people. Even if I don’t know you, I will wish you a happy birthday. I’m not doing it because Facebook told me it’s this person’s birthday who I haven’t talked to since high school. I’m doing it, because I want to make others smile. Social media has made it incredibly easy to celebrate a birthday with someone who is miles, time zones, and countries apart. I’m not so sure anyone out there understands or shares my love for birthdays, but can’t you see it’s supposed to be a celebration?
I must say,� I do get a little bent out of shape on my own birthday--especially if it doesn’t go as well as I hoped. For example, this year a girl I thought was one of my best friends didn’t even say happy birthday when I know she knew it was my birthday (even if she forgot, there’s social media), and it rained all day on my birthday. The rain wasn’t that bad, except for the fact that my birthday outfit was impractical (a maxi skirt). However, my "best friend" not saying a word...that was rough. That’s a rant for another day, though.
Anyway, think about the little things--like a happy birthday wish and kind words. I’m sure your friends will appreciate it more than they show. Happy birthday to everyone who made it this far, even if today isn’t your birthday. Remember, smiling is contagious.
