You only get one life.
There’s never a time that is more apparent than when a birthday rolls around. And mine is tomorrow.
This year, I have been blasè about my birthday. You see, for all of my life, I have been the girl who celebrates her birthday month. A few years ago, the boyfriend of one of my closest friends asked her how many birthday-related events I would be having.
This year feels different. I’m not concerned about turning a year older – even if I do have a 12-step skincare routine. It’s not that I don’t want to celebrate or be celebrated. It’s more about leaning into what and who matters most to me.
In the past, I’ve had some big birthdays. Twice in the past five years, I was lucky enough to have all my friend groups come together at Arrington Vineyards. I’ve done a girls’ staycation in downtown Nashville. I flew with one of my best friends to Chicago to see my favorite podcast do a live show. It’s always been a production – and I have loved it all. This year that doesn’t feel like the right choice.
This year, I want simple. I want it to be more than gifts and good food (although I will for sure be having some good food). I want it to be about my favorite things.
Every quarter, I plan a Favorite Things Day (or half-day) for myself. It’s time I spend doing my favorite things. Things like going to a coffee shop and reading. Perusing local bookstores. Taking a more challenging Peloton class. Writing. Meeting a friend for lunch. I’m having a Favorite Things Day: Birthday Edition for my birthday. My day is planned, full of things and people I love. I’ll share my day in my Instagram stories, so feel free to follow along at @julieldavis5.
If you’re in the mood for a different type of birthday the next time you celebrate, here are a few things you can consider gifting yourself to make it more than a birthday.
Something More Than a Birthday
A Self-Care Day: You don’t have to go to a spa, although you certainly can. In fact, some hotels have days with special spa deals that are worth looking into. You can always treat yourself to an at-home spa day and put together a little retreat for yourself. Spend the day doing what reflects self-care for you. Maybe you want to plan your own birthday favorite things day. Maybe you want to read at a local coffee shop. You could take a leisurely shopping trip and/or have lunch with a friend. Filling your special day with the things and people that bring you joy will make however you spend the day memorable.
Personal Growth Retreat: Birthdays are the perfect time to set time aside to give yourself a gift that the future version of you will benefit from. This could be as easy as starting a new habit or incorporating a new healthy lifestyle choice. It might mean applying for a new job or researching how to get the job you want. If it’s within your budget, hiring a life coach for a year is a game-changer. My coach, Retha, makes me laugh while keeping me in line. She isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions and to hold me accountable. Anything you do to invest in yourself will be a gift that continues to give.
Intimate Dinner with Friends: I believe all events, big or small, deserve good food. Birthdays certainly fall into that category. Sharing a meal with those closest to you is a gift. Whether it’s a dinner party at home or going to your favorite Mexican restaurant, dinner with an intimate group of friends will fill your soul. You’re guaranteed to laugh, feel loved, and leave satisfied both from the meal and the company.
However you feel about birthdays, be sure to celebrate. Celebrate the joys and trials of the past year. Celebrate the opportunities and hope for the year to come.
You only get one life. It’s your choice how you live.