I love celebrating my birthday. Always have. And there’s nothing like a cancer diagnosis (or two!) to make you feel even more grateful as another milestone passes. 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.
Anyway, enough doom and gloom! I’m celebrating!! By the time you read this, my current birthday celebrations will have ended, although I do love dragging it out….
It’s easy to let birthdays slide, especially if we’re busy or feeling a bit “meh” about getting older. And this year, I did have a moment of ‘can I be bothered?’ before quickly realising that I could think of nothing worse than letting the day pass without marking it in some way. I’m a true advocate of the Mark Twain quote – Aging is a privilege. And I believe its important to celebrate each and every milestone.
In the end I planned a series of events with my nearest friends:
- A 5k run in the crisp spring sunshine – we ran non stop – which was something to celebrate in itself.
- A coffee and a catch up.
- A panic shop – I bought a whole new wardrobe and then wore what I had already!
- A late lunch for 9, followed by some cocktails and some unplanned dancing.
It wasn’t a big fanfare – I just wanted to get together with friends, have time to catch up, laugh, celebrate. It was fun and that’s what we all needed.
Next year, I’m gearing up for the big one – and I cannot wait to start planning! I may even start a challenge in the run up to it…watch this space.
I now realise why I love birthdays and celebrations so much. Apart from getting to decide how I want to celebrate – and there’s no right way, only what you want! – its actually a well-being boost:
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 feel ready to move forward. For the first time in a few years, I feel more able to look ahead with excitement, planning for the future and all that it might bring. 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.
A snapshot of gifts
