a birthday checklist
Last night, a mentor visited me in my dreams and had a birthday checklist she wanted me to help her update. It was a long scroll-like document and she had fun items on there, as well as items that seemed to have been written at a very particular time in her life, hence her desire to update it. I woke up feeling like I wanted to write my own, specifically to be shared in this manner - on the blog. So here we go:
take the day off.
get out of bed when your body feels ready. for me, this is before the sun rises. days when I watch the sun rise are precious.
do your morning routine slowly, deliberately. when you brush your teeth, feel every tooth, giving thanks for each of them.
wear whatever makes you feel alive. even if you do not plan to leave the house, put on bright lipstick, the plush robe and large hoop earrings anyway.
birthdays are not about how old you’re turning. they are about recalling the unique constellation of stars and planets and suns and winds that attended and celebrated the moment of your delivery into this realm. this is your personal holy-day.
enjoy the unique feel of the day, now that you’re particularly attuned to it. it’s not about having a good day or bad day. it’s not about people remembering to tell you happy birthday. it’s not about surprises or gifts or anything external. let people off the hook! on this holy-day, it’s about remembering the whole universe had a need and the Divine asked specifically for you. you!
eat things that make you happy or curious or both. visit places that make you feel peaceful. spend the day joyfully - whether this is alone or with the company of loved ones. choose your companions of the day mindfully. it’s ok to rescind invitations. there will be a tomorrow, inshallah.
see what it feels like if you do not do the “birthday” things, like a fancy birthday dinner, or a birthday party, or have a birthday cake, or wear a birthday outfit. see what it might feel like to give up “shoulds” and expectations for your holy-day.
enjoy yourself.
breathe deeply
give thanks. give thanks. give thanks.
