Another Year Older: Celebrate or Keep It Low-Key?

I’ve always been the kind of person that would always go all out for the people that I care about. I really don’t care about the money or the energy I’m going to have to put in doing that. Just seeing the smiles on the faces of those I care for is enough to make me feel fulfilled.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that I’m that one friend that is always in for the fun. Anything that makes me happy, count me in. And you know what brings joy, it’s birthdays. We all have birthdays running throughout the year. But our thing about these birthdays is that it’s just a day. And I believe you might as well spend it well since it’s just one day in a year you can celebrate your birthday. But when you think deeper into it, you can actually celebrate your birthday on any day you want, because you have free will.

Growing up, my parents always made sure I celebrated my birthday with my friends and family. But life made me realize that not everyone had it the way I did. I’ve met people who have never received even a birthday cake before. Then there’s me whose friends throw a surprise party for on my birthday.

As I get older, I yearn for more quieter birthdays and the occasions surprises. But when it comes to my friend’s birthdays, I try to go all out for them because they do deserve it. I celebrated my birthday a month ago and it was a very quiet one. In fact , quieter than I imagined. But it was a good one. I gained some clarity and the peace of mind to think through my life.

Thinking about it now, I think I’d like to go big for my next birthday. Probably host some friends or go on a solo trip. Something to awaken my inner adventurer. If I get to celebrate my birthday once a year, I might as well spend it in grand style because it is a day to be grateful for.

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Images belong to me.

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