Birthday
I have a Birthday coming up and I am happy to say it will be celebrated in the most simple way.
February 18th - Just dinner, with my Hubby. At my favorite Irish Pub - The Field. That’s it! 😊
I used to be ALL about Birthdays. I loved having a big party. I loved planning a vacation just to celebrate myself. I expected everyone I invited to be there. I talked about my Birthday all month long. I became obsessed with planning the time, the place and the guest list. I made my birthday into such a big deal. Often changing my plans last minute. “This restaurant is fancier. People will enjoy sitting outside. The music is better at this location.” I spent all my time planning my Birthday on what someone else would like. It was utterly exhausting. But that was me. Everything had to be explosive and impressive. And my plans never went the way I expected. My birthday would turn out to be a big disappointment.
I did it to myself of course.
My extreme high expectations ruining a perfectly nice celebration. All because I needed that WOW factor. I wanted to look amazing. Feel special. Be with people and have fun. Then it all came crashing down.
Certain people wouldn’t show up last minute. The weather suddenly changed. Traffic. Someone was sick. The food wasn’t that great. We didn’t laugh as much. I didn’t get to dance. Someone had to leave early….…..etc.
All these toxic thoughts and feelings came from ME. My own anxiety and insecurities. “I wasn’t loved enough because that person couldn’t make it.”
Horrible to think that way but it can sneak up on you. You question everything. Instead of enjoying the evening with the people that were there. I was too busy thinking why that person didn’t show up.
When you’re on your 3rd cocktail and its your birthday, these negative thoughts can ruin your day.
You’re wondering why that person just couldn’t come to support me.
The truth is, I know I have family and friends that really do love me. I have amazing coworkers. I get so many texts messages. People are there to celebrate me when it counts. I just had to learn the hard way. Not everyone has time and things do change unexpectedly. I don’t have to take things so personally.
These days I enjoy having a small celebration without the Wow.
It feels so genuine, positive and healthy. I don’t expect gifts. Not even for the Holidays. I think spending time with the people you love is more rewarding than a gift card.
Since I turned 40 I have been celebrating my birthday – my way. I celebrate myself. I go for a massage. I go see a movie. I treat myself to something that makes me happy. I spend time alone with my Hubby and it has made a world of difference. No longer worried about who can make it to the dinner reservation. Who will pay the check? What will I wear? Are they having a good time?
Just a simple dinner with zero assumption. Now that sounds like a fantastic Birthday. 😊 I can’t wait for 43!
The Field Irish Pub & Eatery https://www.thefieldfl.com/ 3281 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
