You Survived! Now Have Some Cake!

Birthdays have ALWAYS been something I look forward to, year after year. Whether it’s my own or someone else’s- there’s a familiar excitement that surges through my veins. It’s similar to that ‘Christmas’ feeling you get when the trees are lit and the stockings are hung and there’s unhealthy amounts of over-sweetened sorrel in your fridge.

I know that for many, it’s ‘just another day’. For me though, I believe in making the most of every single day you’re given.. and birthdays just seem like a scheduled time to have a little extra fun. Why not take advantage of a designated day to make someone feel special, or to treat yourself?

Growing up, my mom made all my birthdays special. It was never about the presents or the cake, in fact I’m not a fan of cake at all, nor do I like ice-cream… but it was always about feeling like you were important. It was a day set aside to allow yourself to feel like anything was possible. To this day, there’s still a bit of birthday ‘magic’ that I always look forward to.

Birthdays remind me of where I’ve been and how much yet there is to accomplish. They’re a bit of a reality slap, and I suppose for the older folk, that’s why they’re probably a bit more daunting. It’s probably a chilling reality for some to not have accomplished what they wanted to by a certain age… like getting married or having their dream job by a certain time.

BUT. HOLD IT RIGHT THERE.

No two people are the same, so why do we measure the success of our time on earth by someone else’s ideals?

Beautiful love stories are born in months for some, and others take years. You don’t need to be married because all of your friends are. You don’t need a relationship because “at your age you should at least have a boyfriend”. Write your own story, you hold the pen! Don’t be disillusioned into thinking otherwise. You don’t have to do anything until YOU truly feel ready. God has a perfect plan for you that includes HIS timing…

Whether you are where you want to be or not, I’m sure you’re a LONG way from where you used to be. I’m sure you’ve survived days where you wanted to throw yourself off of a cliff. I’m sure you’ve tasted unbearable pain and disappointment…  and… you survived! Didn’t you? Here you are! You made it without that person you didn’t think you could live without! You survived that horrible time when you felt alone… ANDDDD… you’re SOmuch better for having rallied through. So, congratulations! Pat yourself on the back. You deserve it. Spend your birthday, or better yet, any day you choose, celebrating yourself or celebrating the people who have helped you along. Life is too short not to have moments of self appreciation. Ignore whatever negativity surrounds you the best you can, and allow yourself to breathe knowing that breath by breath you’ll eventually get to where you’re meant to be. Keep fighting for your dreams, and worry less about your timeline.

In light of my mom’s 50th birthday in a few weeks, I just thought I’d share a bit on the subject.

She probably cringes at the number, but what an accomplishment it is to be FIFTY… and have the character and reputation that she does. Can someone say #goals?! Here are a few photos from a few recent birthday celebrations at Buzo Osteria Italiana in Port of Spain.

What are your thoughts on birthdays? Tell me!