A different take on my Birth "Day"
June is my birthday month. Yes I am a June baby!! I have had a complicated relationship with my birthdays. Yes I am one of those people, who used to get super excited about birthdays! I have celebrated with my friends throughout the school years, at home only, as my birthday falls during summer vacation.
However the real excitement of birthdays arose during my college years, as there is no vacation in medical college and I had a thick group of friends, who would start countdown as soon as the month of June would start. Those 5 birthdays are my best memories, and then I got married and perspectives shifted. Sometimes birthdays have to revolve around treating in laws, while some years it would be taking the kids out, for their own pleasure.
The husband often suggested for a quick getaway, but I always turned it down, as I wanted to be "available" to accept everyone's wishes and all. Birthdays have always been a big deal for me, I too celebrate my loved ones' special days with lot of pomp and show, so expected a bit in return too, on my own day. However, every year turned out to be worse than the previous ones. As I turned off my Facebook birthday reminder, even close family members and friends forgot to wish me. I realized how shallow everything is.
For the first time in 35 years, in 2023. I spent my birthday in Tanzania, holidaying, away from my parents and my younger one. I definitely missed them immensely, but it felt so so so damn good. My phone wasn't reachable and I didn't even care who bothered to wish me. Of course, very significant people in my life remembered after a couple of days, on seeing my post on Instagram.
I have been a happier person for the past 3 years because I am editing my life, weeding out all the unnecessary family members. This year, I will be in Finland, celebrating my birthday with my husband and elder daughter. Of course I would terribly miss my little one and my parents, but I am ready to be selfish to have the time of my life. I know, barring my close college and school friends, no one is going to remember me. And when I will post on Instagram, my so called friends and fam members would be posting stories and whatsApp statuses.
I have let go of expectations and of course celebrating others too, who don't make me feel good. It's my day and I don't need anyone else to make me feel good. Thankfully, my husband is taking me on this grand Baltic/ East European trip, so that I can celebrate it my way. I am very grateful for that. No expectations, no disappointment.
What kind of birthday person are you? Are you the one celebrating in a grand way with friends or an intimate one with family? Or, not a birthday person at all, whatsoever?
This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (June) Challenge with theme word (Day).
6 comments
Every time your blog opens I feel genuinely happy with the positive energy. Also always an intimate birthday with family!
ReplyDeleteI loved this fresh take on celebrating your birthday ; it feels so personal and genuine. Your reflections on embracing rituals, self-care, and gratitude over grand gestures really resonated. Thanks for reminding us that a birthday can be beautifully simple and profoundly meaningful.
ReplyDeleteThat’s such a heartfelt and empowering take on birthdays! Loved how you embraced stepping away from expectations—turning 35 by celebrating in Tanzania and now planning your Finnish adventure. It’s so freeing to edit life, let go of the noise, and truly celebrate yourself. Here’s to many more joyfully selfish birthday escapes!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, a happy belated birthday. You are being so honest about the family and friend dynamics. It's great to read this today. Keep on going this path of being your honest self, and keep empowering.
ReplyDeleteCelebrating yourself with mindful moments—not just parties—resonated deeply. Your reflections reminded me how intentional self‑appreciation transforms a day into something beautifully personal and gently affirming. Thank you for sharing this grace.
ReplyDeleteThis hit home. Editing your life really does bring peace. I’ve started doing that too, and it feels lighter every year.
ReplyDelete