Birthdays are supposed to be fun. They mark another 365 days of life, growth, and perseverance. The journey may not have been easy, but you made it through. So why do so many of us experience a sense of apprehension or sadness around our birthdays?
Well, if you’ve never felt that way, please excuse me. I’m genuinely happy for you, and perhaps just a little envious. As for me, I often have to consciously stir up joy during the week leading up to my birthday, or even on the day itself.
So, if you experience these emotions like I do, or if you know someone who does, this is for us.
You Overcame
My husband asked me this week how I feel about turning a year older. I told him, “It’s giving I overcame.” That’s the perspective that helps me keep things in context.
When birthdays approach, it’s easy to focus on the milestones we haven’t reached or the goals we haven’t accomplished according to our own timelines. That kind of reflection can quickly lead to anxiety.
The next time you find yourself dwelling on what hasn’t happened yet, pause and remember this: you overcame something this year. Maybe several things. And that counts.
Seek Ye First…
There are some things in life that are non-negotiable: faith, good health, shelter, and education, to name a few.
I’m not preaching, but I’ve found that when we focus on the important things we’ve attained and sustained, everything else tends to fall into place in time.
You may not have a job right now, and I genuinely sympathize with your situation. However, if you’ve received an education and continue to apply faith and diligent effort, opportunities can come.
So seek first the things that truly matter.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Many heartbreaking things happen in life, but we cannot allow them to rob us of joy forever.
For those of us who love and trust Jesus, this verse reminds us that God can bring good out of every circumstance. He may not orchestrate painful events, but when they occur, He can transform our ashes into beauty.
Knowing this allows us to embrace joy, even when life isn’t perfect.
Let Others Celebrate You If They Want To
I’ve always felt a little uncomfortable being celebrated. I didn’t grow up receiving that kind of attention, so being the center of it feels unfamiliar.
However, my family loves celebrating me, and I’m learning to let them.
I accept the gifts, enjoy the surprises, and allow myself to express genuine happiness. Sometimes receiving love is just as important as giving it.
Revisit Unfinished Projects
Unfinished books, unresolved conversations with family and friends, abandoned dreams, and neglected visions deserve another look.
Revisiting incomplete projects can provide a renewed sense of purpose and accomplishment. Sometimes checking even one item off a long-standing to-do list reminds us that we’re still moving forward.
Remember: progress, not perfection.
Set New Goals
What’s one of the best ways to measure growth? Set new goals.
After you’ve revisited unfinished projects, consider what you’d like to accomplish in the year ahead.
Don’t keep adding goals simply to appear productive. Create measurable objectives, gather the resources you need, and position yourself for success.
Intentional goals lead to meaningful progress.
Meet With a Counselor, Coach, or Accountability Partner
We all have blind spots. Left to ourselves, we’re often either too critical or too forgiving.
That’s why it’s helpful to have someone who can ask tough questions, challenge your thinking, and hold you accountable.
A birthday can serve as the beginning of a personal “new year,” making it an ideal time for reflection and honest conversations about growth.
Of course, you don’t have to wait for a birthday to do this. Any day is a good day to pursue better self-awareness.
Give Yourself Time
I know. I’m impatient too.
Time? Ugh!
But when I look at photographs of my younger self, I’m grateful that I was given time to grow, learn, and mature.
I made mistakes that felt devastating at the time. Some seemed life-altering. Yet God continued to work through me, in me, and for me.
Growth takes time. Blooming takes time. Healing takes time.
Give yourself that grace.
You’re Not in Competition With Anyone
Yes, you should strive to grow and make progress, but life is not a competition.
The only timeline that truly matters is God’s.
Everyone is walking a different path, carrying different responsibilities, and navigating different challenges. Comparison only steals peace.
Marriage, entrepreneurship, career advancement, and other major life milestones will come in their own time.
The one thing you shouldn’t delay is your relationship with God. Everything else can unfold at its proper pace.
Stay Moving
It’s not over until it’s over.
Cry if you need to. Rest if you must. But get back up and keep moving forward.
Celebrate the mountaintop moments and allow joy to fill your heart. At the same time, develop resilience in life’s valleys.
Your story ends only when you quit, or when God calls you home. Until then, keep going. Keep believing. Keep building. Keep trying.
And give life everything you’ve got.
So… happy birthday to me, I guess!
Happy birthday to you. May you keep blooming 🌹