Birthday Celebration

I had the great pleasure of having my day of birth celebrated last week.

Because of preparations necessary for a work retreat, I found myself in the office for 70% of the day.  Thankfully, I was greeted by a few nice surprises...

My office door decorated with a boa and Happy Birthday signs 

A tiara, balloon and vanilla cupcakes on my desk!

After work, I had a few errands to run before getting a massage!  I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of that hour of my day and came home in a peaceful state to a wonderfully prepared dinner.  Colin made his specialty - grilled portabello mushroom sandwiches - and baked a strawberry-rhubarb pie as an added treat. My friend Laural and her boyfriend Nate also gave me a chocolate fudge cake (I do love chocolate cake!!).  Since the weather was fantastic, Colin and I turned on the patio lights and enjoyed our dinner on the back deck.  It was a beautiful way to end the day.

The flowers I received from Colin and my brother were beautiful -

and added beautiful colors and scents to the house for days.

Strawberry-rhubarb pie baked by Chef Colin (left)

Chocolate fudge cake gifted by Laural and Nate (right)

It is a nice feeling to have things done for you on a special day, but I feel it's much more important to be able to celebrate our own lives as often as possible.  I am happy with the person I am, the choices I've made for myself, and the people who share my life with me.  I don't think it is necessary to have a day where people celebrate me because I should be celebrating my own life.  Some days I am better at it than others, and having friends and family share in regular celebrations is nice for us social people.  But with each passing year I find myself celebrating my life internally and in a calm way, reflecting on the person I am, and setting goals to continue to become better.  


In the upcoming year, the 31st of my life, I want to continue to support organizations that provide programs or services I believe in (such as the environment, education, and basic individual needs) not just financially, but through volunteerism.  In addition to giving to others, I want to take more time to reflect on taking care of my needs so that I can be better to others.


If you'd like to share, I'd like to hear your thoughts about celebrating your life.