Thanks for all the birthday wishes! Overall my birthday had a few things to teach me this year.
First, I really embraced the “ask for what you want” school of birthday celebration. I asked my son and my partner if they’d go see a musical with me. We did and it was excellent! I asked all my closest people to send me a voice note or a written note for my birthday and to focus on a message they want me to listen to not just on my birthday but whenever I want a reminder of our connection.
Second, I relearned that birthdays give you permission to tell people exactly what you admire about them and why you’re glad they’re in your life.
And lastly, I took myself to brunch. One hour (in the middle of the workday!) of a fantastic chai tea latte and a piece of quiche and an excellent dessert, reading a book at a cozy café. The whole idea here was to have a slice of my birthday be exactly what I wanted from me, for me and it set me up feeling great.
The rest of the day was mostly logistic and work heavy and had some worry and some arguing with insurance companies thrown in. And also my washer died.
So I guess really the thing I learned from my birthday is that it’s like every other day: The feelings, tasks, changes, challenges and opportunities are all a mix and all there for the taking. And those things that we do because our birthdays are special we could mostly do any day.
Want to a “birthday thing” for yourself or someone else, just because it lights you up? Hit reply and let me know!
All my best,
Dr. G
