I think every birthday is worth celebrating. But this year, its been extra special. An ‘oh’ birthday.
There’s nothing like a cancer diagnosis (or two!) to make you feel even more grateful as a big milestone happens. I know I was told that my cancer was treatable. Regardless, cancer makes you more aware of your own mortality. As someone said – we’ve seen the bus driving towards us at high speed.
I live by the Mark Twain quote – ‘Do not complain about getting old, its a privilege denied to many’. I believe it’s important to celebrate each and every milestone, in some way.
By the time you read this, my current birthday will have passed but the celebrations will continue as I work my way though my 50 things at 50.
My main goal to celebrate was to get together with some of the people I love, have time to catch up, laugh, celebrate. It has been fun so far with some adventures and trips to come.
And all of that celebrating has given me a wellbeing boost too!
01
It means connecting with others.
This is one of the main things I enjoy about birthdays – getting people together. Whether it’s a day or night out dancing, dinner with friends or a phone call from someone close, birthdays (and other celebrations) bring people together and boosts support. And this in turn is linked to better physical and mental health.
02
It is good for your brain and boosts mood.
Taking time to celebrate activates the brain’s reward system and having fun whilst doing it gives an added boost. It releases those lovely feel-good chemicals – dopamine and endorphins – lifting mood and reducing stress.
03
It brings perspective and builds resilience.
Birthdays offer a natural moment of reflection, a moment to acknowledge a milestone and that we made it! (Through whatever challenges and there have been plenty for me in the last few years). It reinforces the belief that we can handle anything – building self-efficacy and confidence. The more we celebrate, the more this builds!
As well as marking another year on earth, I’m also celebrating the fact that I am growing in energy, feeling much better again. And excited about the adventures ahead. I also realise how important it is to find joy in every moment, celebrating the wins as you live – no matter how big or small. So, my challenge to you is this: find those moments of joy and celebrate them wholeheartedly whenever you want to, not just when it’s a birthday. After all, life is worth celebrating, just as you are.
Some of the lovely gifts I received
