Today is your day of all days…Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.
~ Dr. Seuss
It’s my birthday this Sunday. Birthdays are a big deal to me. Really, what could be bigger in your life than the day you were born?
Your birthday is a perfect opportunity for those who love you to celebrate you, have fun, and let you know they’ve been paying attention to what you love. It’s also an excellent time to honor and treat yourself.
Make birthdays matter. Here are some ideas:
For other people’s birthdays:
- Record the birthdays of your friends, family, and associates in your calendar. With computer-based calendars, you can remind yourself two weeks in advance of an upcoming birthday.
- Make it a practice to find out and acknowledge people’s birthdays. New acquaintances will be thrilled you remembered.
- Always have three or four generic but fabulous birthday cards handy. Write something kind and personal and mail it the old-fashioned way.
- Buy birthday presents when you’re actually inspired and keep them until the person’s birthday arrives, thus avoiding pressure-purchases.
For your own birthday:
- Ask for what you want. When I got married I gave my husband a list of 100 gifts I would cherish, from a Hermes scarf to a kayak trip. He loves the clarity of knowing I will love what he gives me and I receive incredible gifts!
- Take the day off if you can, or, at the very least, leave work early. A pedicure, holiday, or splurge at the bookstore are all good options.
- Think of something you love but haven’t had or done for a while—and get it or do it! For example, if your favorite food is Indian, go to a top-notch Indian restaurant. Savor every bite. My birthday dinner will be Indian-fusion cuisine at its finest, Vancouver’s Vij is my favorite restaurant.
- Take matters into your own hands if you so desire. Host a special get-together with favorite friends, organize a movie marathon at your place, or make a day trip to a beautiful, inspiring place near where you live.
- If the previous year was a toughie, make the decision to let it go. Then make a wish you really, truly, want to come true for this year of your life.
Happy birthday, Carrie! I do pray this will be the official kick-off for what is a scrumptious year in all categories of your life. Celebrating birthdays DOES matter, whether done quietly or with a cast of 200 people. More proof that marking birthdays (our own and others in our sphere of care) is crucial can be found here: http://whitlineink.com/lifeinfirstperson/?p=440 — I don’t think I’ve ever included a link to any blog post within one of my comments and please forgive the intrusion, but it fits so well that I felt I needed to share.
Have a fabulous birthday weekend — and year! And enjoy your sweeties, big and small (especially the small one; the time with our babies is so limited and fleeting).
Your article, Why candles are crucial for birthdays is lovely. thanks for the b’day wishes Em.
Happy, happy birthday Carrie! I always treat birthdays like New Year’s. I set my resolutions for the coming year on my birthday. Have a wonderful birthday, and happy new year! May it be filled with hope, joy and beauty.
Thank you Laura.
Happy birthday! And now you have two men in your life to share the day with! How wonderful.
Happy Stylish Birthday, Carrie.
Have a fabulous celebration with your loved ones.
it is so wonderful, thanks D
Thanks for this lovely post Carrie. I have a birthday coming up and am grateful for the reminder to create the day I want instead of expecting someone to read my mind. I’m also inspired to send more birthday wishes to others via snail mail. Snail mail is more inspired than e-cards!
Hope you had a great birthday!
I had a lovely birthday. I created the day I desired and my husband enjoyed a blissful wife.
Thank you for the birthday wishes Michelle.
Your site is beautiful, your work wonderful.