I love celebrating birthdays. When I was young it was always exciting to go to or have a birthday party. There were balloons, ice cream and cake and of course presents! When you went to someone else’s party, sometimes they would give out goodie bags filled with toys and candy. Those were good times!

As I got older, I noticed that some people aren’t as excited to celebrate. For some it’s hard to wrap their mind around getting older, for some it could be other reasons. Maybe things have happened over time that make them less excited to celebrate their special day. For purposes of this post, I’m going to talk about getting older.

Prior to the pandemic, I would still get excited for my birthday to come. I would plan out the whole entire day. I had minor thoughts about getting older, but it never stopped me from celebrating. Other people I would come across would celebrate the whole month, but there were a few who didn’t even want them to know the day they were born. The thought of getting older just paralyzed them. I would hear people say they stopped counting after a certain age. I didn’t quite understand it. I understand wanting to stay young, but I also know it’s a blessing to appreciate each year we are given.

When the pandemic started, all my birthday plans were canceled. I was disappointed but knew it was necessary. I’m sure this is the story for most if not all people. As the first birthday passed, everything changed for the world. It definitely changed for me. Hearing about death more often than usual was overwhelming and sad. It made me remember to be more thankful for every day that I have on earth.

Instead of looking at your birthday as a day you become older, look at it as another day that you survived a pandemic. Look at it as another year of life, and another day to be grateful. It’s another amazing year to pursue your dreams, and accomplish your goals. With all that has and is going on in the world, you’re still here!

In a previous post, I mentioned how someone asked me to smile because I was in the land of the living (pre-pandemic). That woman’s words echo through me today. At that time I thought to myself, you’re right. But I appreciate that statement even more. Every birthday I’m granted on this earth, is a true blessing. I get to walk among the living. The alternative to getting older is not an option for me, and I hope it remains true for a long time.

So when your birthday rolls around this year or next, don’t look at it as an awful day because you’re getting older. Celebrate because you survived. Be thankful to be older. Some people didn’t make it past your age, others didn’t make it to your age. Getting older and growing a gray hair or two (maybe more) is a true blessing. Celebrate your day! Celebrate with your love ones. You don’t have to have a party or do something big. Celebrate the way you see fit. Take comfort in the fact that you still breathe. That is literally the best birthday present of all!