This short, but heartfelt post addresses a topic I’ve thought a lot about this year.
Do you know folks who believe in celebrating their birthday for the entire month? I do.
Since I’ve never paid much attention to my own birthday, I used to think this idea a bit excessive, but always maintained a live-and-let-live attitude.
I am, however, big on celebrating other people’s birthdays. Acknowledging these occasions gives me the opportunity to nurture relationships, catch up on what’s going on in their lives, and many times, make plans to get together with friends and family. I keep a list of the folks I wish to remain in touch with and make it a point to either mail them a birthday card (yeah, I’m old school) or call (yep, not text). 🤫
This year, I came to appreciate the philosophy of month-long celebration as the events of my birthday unfolded. I received a couple of calls on the actual day. Those folks are like me. I try to make contact on the exact date. Then again, I’m retired and have more time to attend to such matters. So, no judgment there! 👌
Folks called to offer belated wishes and I planned two meet-ups for later in the month. In addition, my local grocery stores presented me with cake and ice cream gifts. I also received several other freebies – all much-appreciated. Smart personalized marketing techniques, I might add. And all of these offers were redeemable until the end of the month. More examples of prolonged celebration. My godchild’s belated call was the most endearing of all. She proclaimed I deserved to be celebrated for a month! I’d never thought of that.
Several of my long-standing friends and I tend to only communicate on our birthdays, which is fine. It means we get to speak to each other at least twice a year. Many times, these calls promote plans for future visits. Even my friends who, for religious or other reasons, don’t celebrate their birthdays, appreciate me reaching out to catch up on those occasions. And it’s nice to see the Millennials in my life acknowledge the gesture..
I also like the ways other people celebrate their friends’ special day. A woman I went to high school with publishes the most thoughtful, personally dedicated Facebook posts in honor of her friends’ birthdays. I’m almost tempted to reveal my birthday to her just to see what images she comes up with (almost!).
When I discussed month-long birthday celebration with one of my trusted mentors, (Yes, I have mentors at my age. You’re never too old to learn. 👩🏫), she pointed out an unanswered question remained. Was I celebrating my birthday all month long or not? Well, the answer is I did this year. We’ll see what happens in the future…
I can’t think of a better time than birthdays to check in on friends, find out what they’ve been up to and offer well wishes for the coming year. So, all my summer-born peeps - you’ll be hearing from me!
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