Have you ever stopped for a second to think about why we celebrate birthdays? Personally, I am a firm believer in celebrating every single birthday that we get, regardless of whether the age ends in a 5 or 0. For those of you who know me, you know that I treat my birthday like a national holiday.

I start the countdown as soon as it turns September 1st and begin planning my birthday week well in advance. I have never had a surprise birthday party because I have always needed to know that I will be busy with all of my friends on my birthday. I hope that doesn’t sound selfish but sometimes it is nice to have a day that is all about me. I have so much fun wearing a crown and a sash, declaring that it is my day. This year my best friends went so far as to decorate my bed, coordinate with my mom and surprise me at school (definitely making it the best birthday yet) and I am so appreciative. My best friend even jokingly apologized for "ruining" my plans as she knows that I typically have everything all planned out ahead of time, from restaurant reservations right down to what I am going to wear. Thank you to those who help me indulge in my day and let me celebrate for an entire weekend instead of just one day like most people.

As big of a deal as I make my own birthday, I try to do the same for everyone else. I have a lot of friends who do not like celebrating their birthdays because they find that age to not be as relevant or important as turning 13, 16, 18 or 21. For me, every birthday is important. Because you made it another year. You turn each year only once so you may as well make the best of it and start off on the right foot. I never want to miss out on celebrating a birthday because unfortunately, you never know when it could be your last. I know that sounds morbid or scary but I think it is just a life lesson. Don’t take anything for granted and celebrate life while you can. Use your birthday to hang out with your friends and to feel special because each year you live is an important one. Make a big deal when it is your own birthday and make a big deal when you are celebrating with your friends because it is nice to make others feel special. So go wear that crown and jump in a pool in your clothes (like I did on my 18th) and rally and make the best of every moment because when you look back on your life, you want to remember celebrating every moment you have. Do not wait until you turn a “relevant age” because then you are spending too much time waiting.