Saturday was my birthday.
If you follow me on social media, you already know this. You know because for the last month I had a countdown to the special day. One month, then 3 weeks, then 2, then nearly an everyday countdown until the day. Over the top? Yes Annoying? Yes.
For many reasons, I love my birthday.
Because my birthday is near Christmas, if I don’t get excited about it, no one will. Yes, I’ve had a 16 Candles Birthday. Or my worst birthday, my 18th, when there was a bill under my bedroom door when I woke up, letting me know how much I owed in rent and utilities, now that I was an adult.
I was still in high school.
So I make my birthday fun. I hope that it is fun for everyone.
Sometimes people make funny memes at my expense like the one I shared here of little 3 ½ year old Shemaiah.
Sometimes friends draw photos of me like a few here.
It takes 2 hours to open each card and present. I do so slowly and cherish each little note or treat, then send out a text or message to the giver. (I get excited about wrapped chapstick so I received a few of those from those who know, books, stationery, puzzles and cookies. All the things I love. Friends stopped in for a 5 minute hello on their way to errands. We made lunch, coffee, walk and dinner dates. Time spent is one of the best gifts of all.
I have had many criticisms through the years. People who do not understand what I try to do with my birthday. They find it self indulgent or narcissistic. To think that is to miss the point, which is how much each person make a difference in the lives of those around them. On my birthday, I hear from my elementary school teachers, old bosses, the guy I had a crush on when I was 14, a seminary buddy who now lives in South Korea, a family member who only checks in once a year, on my birthday.
When it is all over, I send out handwritten notes to all who participated in some way.
Each small gesture in my birthday celebration connects us all, once more, one more year.
The birthday practice is also a memento mori meditation: remember you will die, so live well. I try to fill each day with joy knowing it might be my last. A birthday is a good occasion to be intentional about such things and amplify the goodness and community in my life.
Since I started doing this production in the early 90’s it has anyways been the best of days for anyone who wants to participate. I think we all laugh at the ridiculousness of it all but also the joy.
Don’t wait till I am dead to tell me you love or appreciate me.
And I won’t wait to tell you either.
Thank you all for making my life full, rich, real, awkward, painful, tragic, hysterical and beautiful.
Life is better with you.
The best! What a lovely, wonderful, fun birthday prescription!
Happy Birthday! I loved your post today.
I’m starting today to plan for a big party next year. I don’t remember ever throwing a party for myself so this should be fun. I’ll be 75 next November.
That should give me enough time!