Birthdays are those special days where you’re made to feel like the star of the show. Whether it’s a simple “Happy Birthday” message from a friend, a thoughtful phone call, or even just a Facebook notification — we’ve come to expect at least something on our birthday. But today? Not a single message yet. And honestly, it stings.
I woke up this morning with that familiar mix of excitement and hope. You know that feeling, right? You’re checking your phone, waiting for those pings to start flooding in: friends, family, co-workers, maybe even that one person you’ve been secretly hoping would reach out. But there’s nothing. Silence. The kind of silence that echoes, making you second-guess everything.
It’s hard not to take it personally. Thoughts like, “Have they forgotten me?” or “Do people even care?” start creeping in. It can make you feel isolated, especially on a day that’s supposed to be all about celebrating you.
But here’s something I’ve come to realize, even through the sting of no notifications or posts: my worth isn’t defined by the number of birthday wishes I get. And neither is yours. The validation we seek from others, while nice, isn’t what truly makes us special. Sure, it feels good to be remembered, but a lack of birthday messages doesn’t mean you’re forgotten or unimportant.
Here’s what I’m doing to flip the script today:
1. Celebrate Myself
Who says I need to wait for someone else to acknowledge me? Today, I’m going to treat myself. Whether that means buying myself a gift, indulging in my favorite dessert, or simply taking time to relax and reflect, I’m giving me the love I deserve.
2. Reach Out First
Sometimes, people get busy. Life happens. I’ve been guilty of forgetting a friend’s birthday before too, not out of neglect, but because of everything else going on. Maybe instead of waiting for the world to remember me, I’ll send a little reminder to people close to me, or just casually bring it up. Who knows? They might just be planning something special and I’m jumping to conclusions.
3. Use This Time for Reflection
Birthdays are often a time for looking back at the past year. Instead of focusing on who hasn’t reached out, I’m using today to reflect on my growth, my achievements, and the things I’m grateful for. Sometimes, solitude offers the perfect space to do just that.
4. Set New Goals
Rather than dwelling on disappointment, I’m choosing to focus on what I want to achieve in the year ahead. What new experiences do I want to have? How can I become more in tune with myself and my relationships?
5. Practice Gratitude
Even if the day didn’t start as I hoped, there are still things I’m grateful for. The people in my life who consistently show up, the experiences that have shaped me, and the opportunities ahead. Practicing gratitude reminds me that even if things don’t go perfectly, there’s still so much good around me.
6. Let Go of Expectations
We often build up moments in our heads: how a birthday should go, how others should act. But letting go of these expectations can actually be freeing. Today, I’m reminding myself that while it’s natural to want attention and love from others, I don’t need it to feel valued.
So, while today may not have started the way I imagined, I’m still going to make it a good one. It’s my birthday, after all. If you’ve ever felt the sting of not getting the recognition you expected on your special day, I see you. But remember this: you are worthy, you are loved, and you deserve to celebrate yourself, no matter how many (or few) messages you get.
Here’s to another year of growth, love, and making the most of what comes my way. Happy birthday to me. 🎂