Feliz Cumpleaños

Cue "Happy Birthday" Altered Images style!!

Whilst I openly admit to not really knowing my actual age most of the time, simply stating "over 30" each time I am asked! When it comes to birthdays this is something I will absolutely not let pass by without celebration!

Why is it that I always channel my inner child when it comes to birthdays? I think that no matter how old I get I literally never take myself too seriously. I also believe that we all deserve one day year that is all about us and it just makes sense for that to be the day that we are born. On this day you should and I do, do absolutely anything and everything you want. You should be spoilt rotten even if this is by yourself. Give in to yourself, let yourself go, do something that will make your heart happy.

This last year, the pandemic made it very difficult to celebrate occasions including birthdays, as we normally would. There were no days out with friends and family, it really was all about what we made of the day. I know, feel, that this was very hard for so many people, milestones passing by with little or no recognition, made us all a bit more down. I really do hope though that this will mean, now we are out of lockdown, that people will make the most of every single moment of every single occasion.

I, of course, in true "me" style would not let my birthday this year go unmarked, just as I never ever do every other year. So I got some balloons, banners, Unicorn cake (I love Unicorns) and I decorated my apartment for my "birthday week". I also made sure, although I was working from home, that I took the day off, I absolutely refuse to work on my birthday!

I had a lie in, had pancakes and fresh coffee in my PJ's whilst watching films-actually Beaches #sobfest I spent the day with my number one, my son, we chatted about anything and everything. We giggled, played board games, had a massive Chinese takeout for tea and ate waaaayyy too much cake!!

I was blessed with the very best group of friends and family, who all took the time to send me birthday wishes and in many cases birthday gifts. This for me was totally unexpected and I was completely, utterly humbled by it. You beautiful humans, you know who you all are and I am sending you much much love!

I also received some of the most thoughtful gifts this year, all of which made my absolute day and created such a special vibe on the day. I always try to select the most thoughtful gifts for those that I love and want to celebrate an occasion with and I do this without expectation. So to receive such thoughtful gifts myself was really heartwarming and I will admit overwhelming.

So what about a birthday outside of lockdown? I am true believer that this should be celebrated by a day of doing only things that you want to do, in your time and on your own terms. I am also a great believer of having as many celebrations with friends and family as possible! Make the most of it, every single moment and even stretch that birthday week to a birthday month!

Why is it that when some people get to a certain age they want to forget about their birthdays? A whole day to celebrate being you?! I'll never truly understand this, whilst I have heard some theories which I can appreciate, I'll never not be able to fully embrace a birthday for what it is and should be.

Is it because it is tied to an age, a number, getting older? Well to that I say, "age is simply a number" the only person making that a big deal for you as a person, is you! You really are as old as you feel, as old as you allow your mindset to be. Stop taking things so seriously, enjoy life, have fun and don't label your birthday with a number if it makes you feel at all better!! No age just simply a celebration of your day of birth.

So next birthday, grab yourself some balloons, banners and cake. Do arrange a day filled with your favorite things and people, embrace and celebrate being you!! Go on, give it a try.....