The Year Ahead
May the fourth be with you. I’m not sure when this started. May 4th is not Star Wars Day in my mind. It’s my birthday. Then, suddenly a few years ago, everyone started saying this phrase. May the fourth be with you. I understood the pun, but not where it came from. Growing up in California, I had always felt like my birthday was competing with Cinco de Mayo. Now, I complete with Star Wars as well and let’s be honest, we all know who is winning that one.
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That being said, I haven’t really been one for making a big deal out of my birthday. When I was younger I loved celebrating my birthday. In college, I even embraced the idea that it was the day before Cinco de Mayo. Margaritas, anyone? It was fun to go out and celebrate with friends.
After turning 21, I started to feel like it just isn’t a big deal. Woohoo, I’m another year older. Big deal. Celebrations became a few close friends, or just my husband and me. It was basically just an excuse to get people together or get out of the house. I rarely told people at work since I didn’t want anyone making a big deal out of it (not that the people who did know ever did).
I continued to grow older. Each year another birthday with nothing special about them. Then, at the age of 26, I became a mother. As a mother, you are never the center of attention. I had no time to think about my own birthday. It became even less of a big deal to me.
Now it’s coming up on my birthday again. I have a Cinco de Mayo themed baby “sprinkle” to go to the day after and I fully expect to see more people talk about Star Wars than wish me happy birthday all day. The difference is, I’m ok with that. I don’t need people to pay attention to me. Those who love me most will reach out and that is what is important to me.
I’m thinking about my birthday in a different way this year. Instead of it being a day for others to celebrate me, it’s a day for me to look at my life and celebrate how far I’ve come. I can look back on the past 29 years and marvel at who I was, as well as who I have become. It has been a long journey that hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t change a single moment because they have all brought me to where I am.
I look ahead to the year in front of me. This year is bringing me a new home in a new town (that I’ll actually own) and a second child. My family will be complete, me and my three boys. That’s all I really need.
The year ahead is full of possibility. It will be as wonderful as I make it, and I plan to make it amazing. I’m using my birthday as a time to reflect on myself and what changes I’d like to see.
I’d like to become better at planning and actually following through.
I’d like to make reasonable goals that keep me motivated.
I’d like to view the world through a filter of positivity.
I’d like to be more outgoing and try and make new friends.
I’d like to challenge myself.
I’d like to learn to care for myself more.
So, here’s to another year of love, happiness, and growth. I can’t wait to see what the year will bring!
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22 Comments
Samantha
Happy Birthday! I love that you set goals for yourself! I should try that. I will be 29, so some “before 30” goals may be in my future!
Kat
That’s how old I just turned!
Gwendolyn
Wishing you a very happy birthday!! I enjoyed reading this post and love the attitude you have going into your birthday. It is so important to spend time looking at the bigger picture and what is most important to us. You have set great goals for yourself!
Kat
Thank you. It’s taken me a while to get here, but I’m happy I did!
Rachel
Happy birthday! Loved your thoughts here. Hope your year is everything you want it to be!
Kat
Thank you so much
Holly
Those are awesome goals! Go get it!!
Kat
Thanks!
Jenny
Happy Birthday!
Kat
Thank you!
Mom
Well, I for one, LOVE celebrating the day you were born!! You brought magic and pure delight to my life. What a joy watching you grow into the young woman and mother you’ve become!!
Kat
Thanks! Love you!
McKayla
Those are all such good goals! I try so hard to have a positive attitude. I could also work on the self care as well!
Kat
Thanks! It can be so hard to remember to care for yourself.
Richelle
Hi, I hope you enjoy your birthday. Great list on reflecting. I think we tend to overdo it with goals but I like that you put reasonable goals. Good luck!
Kat
Thanks. I was trying to keep then reasonable!
Heather
An inspirational perspective of life during birthdays, and importantly, every day! Hope you have a wonderful birthday this weekend :)!!!
Kat
Thank you!
Joana Corbett
Love this!! Some years this is the attitude I have for my birthday to!!
Happy Birthday!!
Kat
It’s a good attitude to have I think. Thanks!
Victoria
Happy birthday! I think those are great goals 🙂
Kat
Thank you!