As kids I’m sure we can all remember checking off the days on our calendar, just waiting for our birthday to come around. That excitement and planning for some of you has diminished overtime. There seems to be no milestones to like forward to so the day passes with little fan fair. To some their birthday is just a reminder that their getting old. But to that I say (using clean mommy vernacular) ‘for get that.’
Personally, I feel more confident and wiser now than I ever have. I know myself and what I believe in. I’m stronger and only time has given me that. Aging is a reward not a punishment. So I say to you to not only celebrate your birthday ‘day’ but your month as well. Sometimes, we can have too great of expectations for that one day. But celebrating a month worth of dinner outings with friends, breakfast in bed, gifts, and relaxation…well you’ll need to the month to spread it all out to celebrate YOU.
December is my birthday month, which can be a little difficult to get in the spirit of when Christmas decorations are all around. But I embrace it whole heartedly. And I don’t expect my husband or friends to make my birthday month amazing (though their pretty awesome at trying). I expect myself to rise to the occasion. So each day I promise myself to do something at makes ME happy. It doesn’t have to me cost me much, and I don’t always have to go somewhere to enjoy myself. I just vow to take sometime out of my day, each day for the month to do what I want to.
Here are just some of my birthday month ideas.
Day: 1 Spend time with a good friend. Whenever your with someone who makes you laugh, and who gets you hanging out with them can make your day. So whether its an outing with the girls, or some coffee with your best friend let them know that spending time with them is how you want to spend your birthday month.
Day 2: T.V. Time. Watching any show uninterrupted is a true challenge in my house whole. So I have to set aside time to catch up on shows, or discover new ones while my kids are at school and my baby is napping. So when its show time make sure you have your snacks at the ready. And fight the urge to clean or to get online. The dirty desks will be there when you’re done, and you won’t miss anything if you don’t log in for an hour or two. Just enjoy your show.
Day 3: Shopping Trip. Yes, we run errands and shop what seems like everyday, but we rarely get things for ourselves. Now don’t go breaking the bank, but if there’s a pair of shoes you’ve been dying to have, or a handbag that is just to cute to pass up then get it. If you can’t spoil yourself for your birthday then when can you. And the rule of thumb on this shopping trip is to only buy something for yourself. Nothing for the house, kids or husband…so leave the grocery list at home.
Day 4: Movie Date. It’s an oldie but a goodie in my book. It could be the hundredth time your hubby (or your special someone) has taken you out, but you should still treat it like a date. Focus on each other, talk about the future, or just be silly love struck teens 😉 And make sure to let them know ahead of time if you want a romance evening out or a casual one. And rules of this date are to stay away from topics about the kids, bills, work problems, or anything that could start an argument. Let the date be about having great food, light conversation, and maybe a dessert you two can share.
Day 5: A glass of wine and a book. Open that book you’ve been dying to read, or finish the one you never seem to have time to get to. Enjoy a quiet moment and get lost in a story. That with a glass of your favorite sounds delicious to me, but I know not everyone is crazy about books. There is, however an alterative…magazines. Remember when you were a teen and had a stack of celebrity filled magazines that you enjoyed paging through. Well who says you can’t still do that. Kick up your feet and have fun flipping through the articles, check out the latest styles, the newest perfumes, and of course get yourself up to date on some celebrity gossip.
Day 6: Have a bath. All those bath salts/bubble that you have collected over the years but never use, well now is that time. Lock the door, turn down the lights, and put on your favorite smooth tunes. Wash away the crazy, busy, stressful day or week you’ve had. Relax and don’t rushed. If you don’t get out of the bath looking like a raisin then you’re not doing it right.
Day 7: Mani/Pedi. Now, some women have been better about treating themselves than others. And I was apart of that group of women who never made time to do it, and just pale didn’t think about it. But recently, I’ve decided to change all of that. I plan to get my nails done more often. On top of which I plan to try a few wild colors occasionally, but that’s besides the point. This is another chance to get out with a friend or enjoy your time solo. Either way get out and dress up your hands and feet.
Day 8: Get your hair done. Whether it’s a style, cut, or color just do something. I don’t take a lot of risk myself when it comes to my hair, but it is nice to have someone else do your hair for you (and the scalp massacres aren’t bad either). Even if you don’t go bold a simple trim can still have you feeling like a new woman.
Day 9: Get a massacre. My best friend is great about unwinding this way. She doesn’t wait until she feels stress to do it, if she has the time/money she gets one. And that’s a great way to look at things, don’t wait ‘do.’ Part of our job should be finding health ways of releasing stress (and not just during our birthday month). So shop around, check reviews, and ask your friends where the best place to go is.
Day 10: Have a birthday party. Big or small, at home or in an event hall let yourself enjoy a little cake with those you love. In life we should take every opportunity to celebrate that comes our way. There was one year where I had a kid themed cakes and even worn a silly hat. Then, of course, there have been the birthdays where everyone dressed up and went out somewhere elegant and new. Oh and I can’t forget my PJ party at home with friends and a karaoke machine. Remember as much as you may or may not want to celebrate the day, those you love do.
The list can go on and on. There are so many fun, creative, and wild things you can do, and half the fun is creating a list for yourself. Just remember to be flexible. If things don’t workout the way you wanted just shrug it off. The important thing is that you’re trying to make each day special in someway. Your birthday month should be filled with fun, relaxation, love, and a little spoiling all rounded up into one.
So celebrate another year of you!