The Birthday Column-Why I Celebrate

 



            I watched a video on You Tube a few weeks ago commenting on the actions and decisions of a celebrity business owner. The comments were about public relations and advertising mistakes along with critical remarks about sales, inventory and merchandise quality. One of the things discussed was a social media post wishing the founder of this company a happy birthday. The presenter talked about how the founder had probably wrote and published the post herself and that it was strange and inappropriate. Once the video was done, I read the comments. I sometimes enjoy reading the comments more than watching the video.

        Most of the comments were about how it's really silly for grown women to making a big deal about their birthday. Several of them suggested that while it is ok to have a celebration for milestone birthdays, other birthdays should be celebrated privately if at all. If you have been reading column for a while, you know that I do not agree. I have celebrated my birthday publicly for many years. I'd like to share a few reason why I celebrate. These are in no particular order.

        I consider life to be very precious. I am grateful for every birthday I get to celebrate. I learned pretty early not to take my days for granted. Every day, every week and every year is reason for me to be grateful. I'm not bothered by the fact that I'm over the half century mark. My friend Anne, my cousins Cindy, Rachel and Mickey will never reach the age that I am now. Cindy and Anne would surely have been grateful for the opportunity to see their children grown up and to continue the work that they did. I see no reason not to celebrate another year of life.

       I’m grateful for all the wonderful people that have been in my life.  I started out sharing my birthday cake with my coworkers and friends. Some times I would come into work on my day off so that I could have cake with my coworkers . Then I started to take friends out to lunch. One of my favorite things to do is take someone out to lunch. It makes me feel good to do something nice for the women who have given their friendship to me over the year 

       When I was working a lot and single, my birthday was the one day I would treat myself. I would let myself do anything I wanted. I’ve had pedicures and facials. One year I had a makeup lesson. I used to arrange for a needlepoint lesson and buy supplies for a new needlepoint project. For several years I would go to a jewelry store and buy a new ring. I’d take myself out to lunch. It was my day.

         I don’t see anything wrong with celebrating a birthday publicly if you want to. Everyone deserves one day for themselves.


        

Comments

  1. Charlie CalvertSeptember 1, 2025 at 9:55 PM

    I live celebrating your birthday and our anniversary with you!

    ReplyDelete

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