By Morgan Stoecklein
I’ve never hated my birthday, and I don’t plan to hate it this year. It’s not that I’ve always loved my birthdays, I just haven’t dreaded it in the same way some do. Whether its anxiety over an impending age or the thought of a day filled with constant attention, some of the world’s most humble can’t bear it. I, on the other hand, look forward to my birthday each year.
My friend Ellen wrote a poem about her birthday, but this isn’t one of those kinds of posts. If you’re looking for the sappy stuff, you can check that out here.
There are several factors that could contribute to me hating my birthday this year, reasons that could make it harder than birthdays before, but I’ve never hated my birthday, and I don’t plan to hate it this year.
How do I plan to do this you ask? I’ve whittled it down to 5 easy principles:
Have Low Expectations
Does that sound like the most depressing first step to an awesome birthday, or what? I guess what I really mean is, have realistic expectations. One reason birthdays can be stressful is because of the pressure (whether self-inflicted or external) to make it the perfect day, or at least an enjoyable one. Making false assumptions about what your day might be like can lead to disappointment. But having realistic expectations or even sensible hopes about the day can lead to showing appreciation for your loved ones, the ones who take the time to send a text or call you up, to mail a card or bring you your favorite latte. If expectations are low then any gesture, no matter how small, is met with true gratitude.
Make Your Expectations Clear
In the theme of expectations, you’ll want to simply make them clear to those around you. If you don’t want any surprises, say it. If you want to spend the day with certain people, tell them. If you don’t care what happens that day, then skip this step and kudos to you for being the most chill person on the planet.
Plan it Yourself
Maybe this feels selfish or controlling, but this post is about creating a birthday you’ll love, after all! There’s no better way to make sure the day is a good one then by choosing what you’d like to do, and inviting people you love to do it with you. See below for some ideas to fill your birthiversary.
Go with the Flow
Does this point contradict the rest? Maybe. Do I care? No. And neither should you. As much as you plan for your special day, when it comes to the actual day your cares must be cast out the window. Life happens. So, if you plan a pool day and it ends with a torrential downpour, make the most of it at the local YMCA. Heck! There’s always next year, or tomorrow for that matter.
Celebrate and Mourn
Another year has come and gone. And another year is before you. What a joy, and what a terror. Most likely it’s a little of both. Someone wise recently told me that at pretty much any given point we’re holding a positive and negative emotion simultaneously. Joy and fear, hopefulness and grief. Use this milestone as a chance to reflect on the year behind you and all the ways you’re feeling about it. And take the opportunity to contemplate the year ahead, and all the ways you’re feeling about it.
Need ideas for your next birthday? Here’s 99 things you can do on your birthday!
Plan a spa day
Go to a show
Sip wine at a vineyard
Attend a movie screening
Make special dinner reservations
Buy yourself a gift
Plan a trip to see a friend
Stay up late
Do Karaoke
Hang by the pool
Try making a new recipe
Binge watch a TV show
Make a bucket list
Tour a brewery
Volunteer
Play a game with friends
Read a new book
Have a “chore free” day
Indulge in a slice of cake
Attend a concert
Reread your favorite book
Hit up an arcade
Take your favorite workout class
Reflect on the past year
Redecorate a room in your house
Invite friends over for dinner
Buy a new plant
Play with puppies
Donate to a charity
Go on a hike
Head to a bowling alley
Spend time in prayer
Enjoy a staycation
Take a pottery class
Set some goals for the next year
Buy yourself flowers
Ride a bike
Peruse the local farmers market
Rollerblade through a park
Complete a bucket list item
Pick out a new outfit
Work on a puzzle
Host a themed party
Book an escape room
Enjoy a meal with a view
Play a round of mini golf
Attend a sporting event
Go camping
Visit an amusement park
Recreate a past birthday
Sleep in
Wander through your local library
Pack for a picnic
Create a new playlist
Visit an elderly relative
Take a joy ride
Meet friends at a restaurant
Book a hotel stay
Craft a fun cocktail
Go skydiving
Do a random act of kindness
Attempt to make a craft
Visit a museum
Attend a comedy show
Write a poem
Reconnect with a friend
Deliver a gift to a neighbor
Explore a new trail
Attend a craft fair
Make a coffee run for friends
Go to the zoo
Sit in the sun
Attend an open mic night
Explore a nearby town
Treat yourself to dessert
Bake a treat
Hunker down to watch a movie saga
Journal about the past year
Set goals for the year ahead
People watch in the park
Create a piece of art
Visit an animal shelter
Go fishing
Get a fresh haircut
Go on a run
Stay at a bed and breakfast
Test drive a dream car
Host a fancy tea party
Play Billiards
Attend a drive-in movie
Watch a TED Talk
Get a tatoo
Tour your own town
Facetime a faraway friend
Plant a mini garden
Dye your hair
Spend the night stargazing
Sit at a local coffee shop
Write a letter
*Morgan's birthday is on 06/18 in case you'd like to check in and see what she ends up doing :) - she did not know we would put this last piece in here, but perhaps it could be #100 -
100. surprise someone else with an unexpected birthday message?
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