Yesterday, I turned 26 years old. Just like that. And at 26 years old, I learned a valuable life lesson from three children. Here’s what happened..
I’ve had so much going on that I didn’t twice about planning any type of celebration. In fact, there is always something going on that diverts all of my attention from a birthday celebration, be it financial reasons, school work, or work. And then there was that time that I forgot it was even my birthday.
I would have even forgotten that yesterday was my birthday if I hadn’t gotten a plethora of calls and texts that started around 6:30 in the morning. My friends asked where was I celebrating and they seemed pretty bummed that for the 5th year in a row, I hadn’t planned anything. I figured the disappointment would surpass within a few minutes once they realized that this was nothing new for me. And it did. They accepted it and we all went back to our Mondays.
But when my children and my niece asked me what I was doing for my birthday and I replied with a “nothing”, they didn’t let it go. Apparently, they just couldn’t understand why I wouldn’t celebrate my birthday. And it dawned on me. I understood their shock and confusion.
All their lives, they’ve done something special for their birthdays. They’ve had cake, food, presents, and were glorified for the entire day. Special things were done and given to them for making it to another year on this earth. Family and friends gathered just to celebrate their lives on earth and wish for many more years to celebrate.
And here I am acting like it was a typical Monday. Like I don’t need to celebrate making it to another year on this earth or gathering with my friends and family and celebrate my life.
The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. Oprah Winfrey
The more you PRAISE AND CELEBRATE YOUR LIFE, the more there is in life to celebrate. And I will. I’m not sure what I’m going to do but before the month is out, I’m going to do something that I’ve never done. Go somewhere that I’ve never been. Celebrate my life like I’ve failed to do within the last 5-6 years.
And all of you are invited.
kenzie
July 16, 2013 at 10:34 amHappy birthday!!!! Love that quote from Oprah. I think at times we get so consumed with other things going on in life that a birthday just ends up being another day. I hope that you are able to go somewhere or do something that you’ve never done before, dnt just exist….live! 🙂
Vett
July 16, 2013 at 11:17 amhappy belated birthday!! you seriously look way younger than 26, so go you! and I love that quotation 🙂 hope you have a great birthday week and I’m so happy the little ones forced you to celebrate!
The Indie
July 16, 2013 at 11:25 amHappy Birthday! It’s actually my birthday today, it’s so funny that I was able to come across this post of yours. This is definitely the first time I’ve heard of this quote but I’m glad I’ve heard it because it solidifies my own belief. I love that you’re owning that same one in this moment because life is such a precious gift and when you see another year added onto it, that’s something to be proud of, to be happy about, to yell on rooftops, and smile at strangers uncontrollably over. I’m so glad that you’re doing something big to commemorate the last five years of missing them. It’s a huge deal. God bless you and I hope you have many more birthdays to come 🙂
Law_Fal
July 16, 2013 at 11:28 amHappy birthday! It’s so easy to get caught up in life that we sometimes take life for granted. Even if it is something small like a spa day, every year deserves some sort of acknowledgment. If I was in BR I would go to Chimes! I miss that place soooo much! Hope you enjoy your celebration 🙂 and happy bday again!
Vaneice
July 16, 2013 at 1:45 pmHappy Birthday!!! Yes, celebrate it! Bask in celebration of your life. As we get older and gain more responsibilities, we often times start to regard our day, as just another day. To hell with that! Since becoming of age to drink and be merry, I always try to do something for me on my special day. If you don’t celebrate you, who will?!?! Have fun!
april
July 16, 2013 at 2:12 pmHappy Happy Birthday! You are so right. We are not getting any younger, go out and celebrate your day!
Brandi
July 16, 2013 at 2:48 pmHappy Birthday! Mine is next month. I didn’t have any plans, but your post reminded me that I need to celebrate!
CeCe @Pink Sunshine
July 16, 2013 at 4:12 pmHappy Birthday! I’m glad everyone reminded you that it was worth celebrating. Even if it’s not a party or anything big it should be acknowledged in some positive way that feels special to you.
Mimi
July 16, 2013 at 9:13 pmHappy Birthday Lil Sis. I hope you have some “drank” at this party!
Alexa
July 16, 2013 at 9:15 pmWell hello there ma’am long time no visit from me to you, sorry about that! I’ve been meaning to come stop by to your blog but I sometimes get busy with other things. Happy HAPPY birthday and I hope that you had a great day though! There’s nothing wrong with celebrating the one day that you kind of sort of get to yourself!
Sommer L
July 16, 2013 at 9:17 pmHappy Bday!
Everyday should be a celebration….not partying and stuff but just feeling grateful to be breathing another day!
But the older I get the more I realize how blessed I am to see a new birthday. I turn 30 this year. A new country/continent/on the other side of the world (where I am from) so I want to do something big. LOL. I don’t know if I will, but I hope so!
I hope you enjoyed your day, it’s never too late to have a birthday party so I hope your plans come into fruition
Mrs. Delightful
July 17, 2013 at 5:40 amHappy Birthday!
Q
July 17, 2013 at 7:55 amHappy Birthday Chica!
Mrs. Pancakes
July 17, 2013 at 8:48 amahhh 26…such a beautiful age…happy birthday and enjoy!
Teems
July 17, 2013 at 8:58 amHow sweet. Happy Birthday! Maybe you can add swimming to the list. lol
Tamara
July 17, 2013 at 3:17 pmHappy Belated Birthday! That’s right, you have a lot to celebrate. Especially this year with all your glorious accomplishments. Youve made such strides towards your goals and you deserve to celebrate. Be proud of yourself you deserve this!
Cam | Bibs & Baubles
July 17, 2013 at 6:46 pmHappy Birthday!!! You’ve got me re-thinking how I take my own day in stride. Celebrate you and do it up big!
Love that quote too!
Nellie
July 17, 2013 at 7:30 pmWhat a beautiful quote, I am a very low key birthday girl but you make me think that I should celebrate in a big way. Happy Happy Birthday again!
Amber
July 20, 2013 at 1:58 pmHappy belated birthday! I’m glad you opted to celebrate, you definitely deserve it! Everyone deserves their one day a year.
LaPorcha
July 22, 2013 at 8:39 amHappy Belated Birthday!! I turned 27 this year and I was determined not to have another dull birthday. So my husband took me on a 7 day cruise and it was the best birthday ever!!!
Jhan
July 22, 2013 at 9:49 amHappy belated birthday, Rae. I totally understand not really feeling like celebrating birthdays, but you definitely have to celebrate the life you were blessed with. There is a reason you are still alive. It means that you still have work to do for the Lord. Embrace it. Enjoy it. 🙂
Kayli Schattner
July 22, 2013 at 1:20 pmHappy, Happy Birthday!! I really loved this post and totally agree with you- it’s important that we celebrate our life everyday! That quote from Oprah was an incredible way to end of your post. I hope you have the happiest of days! x
Kay
July 22, 2013 at 7:14 pmHappy Belated Birthday Rae!!!
I cant say much because I stopped celebrating my birthday since I was a little girl. I’ve never done anything that I wanted to do. You just opened up an idea for me. Mine is coming up.
Jessica L
July 23, 2013 at 8:18 pmThis is an amazing goal! You have to still take care of you. Happy belated 26th, Carla. And I love that quote by Oprah. So inspiring. -Jess L
Krissy
August 2, 2013 at 1:35 pmHappy bday my little love bug! I’m like you I don’t make a huge fuss about my bday but I always go have dinner with friends. I do that ever year and really enjoy whats become a bday tradition. I say do something nice for yourself on your bday. You’ve made it another year by the grace of God. To me that’s something to be celebrated! Luh Yew!