Birthday

I celebrated my birthday a couple of days ago.

Birthdays stopped feeling special long ago when I was still searching for external validation. Thankfully, I've learned to appreciate the simplicity of life. The human experience is so special, and I'm so lucky to be here. I'm grateful for every moment— the bliss and the boredom, the beauty and the pain, the laughter and the tears, the love and the heartaches. Every moment is a chance for appreciation, gratitude, growth, learning, resiliency, kindness, and love.

Now, I don't need a big birthday party with 20 friends and non-stop birthday wishes from 150 friends who are near strangers. Lately, birthdays have been more about internal reflection. Accomplishing goals is important, but I think more about how often I chose kindness when anger was easier, I think about places where I chose to listen and understand instead of argue. I also think about the times I need to work on improving.

I have learned to find peace in the mundane and make the ordinary extraordinary by adding a little extra care and attention. I enjoy a lazy day and a quiet night in. I like getting dressed up and doing my hair and makeup, but socializing is too much for my introverted spirit.

I enjoy morning snuggles with my husband, playing and laughing before we've made breakfast. I enjoy cooking breakfast and dancing to feel-good music. I enjoy relaxing in a long, hot shower. I enjoy pampering myself by doing my hair and makeup and putting on a nice outfit. I enjoy going out for dinner and cuddling on the couch with a good movie. I got to enjoy all of that and more on my birthday.

I went to dinner with my family the night before and we had a really nice time. We even stopped by his parents so they could sing me happy birthday, which was so sweet.

It was a great birthday. My husband asked why it was so special because it seemed like a regular Sunday (without the errands). I simply said that I spent it with the people I love and I love relaxing days.

Quiet Sundays like that are when I can do whatever I want, whether that means crashing out on the couch or singing my lungs out and dancing in the living room, the day is mine to enjoy.

Simple pleasures are all I want.

So here's to another year, may it be even better than the last.

-Erica

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