Don't take birthdays for granted

With a birthday coming up I know how easy it is to find yourself wishing time would stop so you don’t have to watch the dial on the second digit of your age tick over once again.  The fact of the matter is nobody likes getting older.  This often has us reluctant to celebrate our birthdays and we often find ourselves not wanting to admit to our age or even face the reality of all the things that we were meant to have achieved in this point in our lives, but haven’t.  Nevertheless it is important to acknowledge and cherish this day every year.  It is the one day of the year that is all about you and you never know when it is going to be your last, so by no means take it for granted. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help each of us put ourselves in the right frame of mind to take on our birthday. 

Achievements – Don’t focus on those things that have not yet happened.  Instead celebrate those achievements in your life that you have managed.  It is always wise to focus on those things you do have rather than those things that are yet to happen.  If you look hard enough you will see that you have more to be proud of then you give yourself credit for.  If you find yourself struggling, look around you at all the people who are wishing you well on your birthday.

Indulge – This is the one time of the year when you can indulge yourself free of guilt. Get yourself pampered, book dinner at that restaurant you always wanted to go to, but could never justify the expense or go all out and take yourself away for the weekend with a few close friends. 

Appreciation – weeks in life fly by and it is easy to lose yourself in daily routine and spend less time with friends and/or family who are no longer at easy reach.  There is no better excuse to get everyone you hold dear under the same roof, then to help you celebrate your birthday. And nothing will make you feel more appreciated then having everyone take the time aside to be with  you on your birthday.

Hope – Remember that age is just a number. You are only ever as old as you feel.  Let your hope for the future keep you feeling young.  If you haven’t achieved everything you ever wanted then take comfort that you have something to look forward too.

The more you acknowledge this day and the more effort you put into celebrating it, the easier the transition to your new age will be.  Don’t let yourself sit at home alone focusing on feeling old and feeling sorry for yourself.  There is so much in life to celebrate.  There may be one more candle on the cake then last year, but that’s only because there’s one more year to be thankful for.  The greeting is "Happy Birthday." So give it a try...