You’re Worth Celebrating
I used to downplay my birthday.
I’d brush off any mention of it, wave away the idea of a party, and insist that it was just another day. I told myself I didn’t need the attention, that birthdays weren’t a big deal. But deep down, my resistance wasn’t about humility—it was about history. My past experiences with birthdays (and holidays or celebrations in general) had left me feeling like they weren’t something to look forward to.
At one point, I mentioned this to my therapist, expecting understanding or agreement. Instead, he challenged me in a way I didn’t expect.
“When you refuse to celebrate your birthday,” he said, “you’re not just taking something away from yourself—you’re taking away the opportunity for others to celebrate you.”
That stopped me in my tracks.
I had never thought of it that way. In my mind, I was simply avoiding discomfort, avoiding reminders of past disappointments. But in doing so, I was also rejecting the love, appreciation, and joy that others wanted to give me.
That conversation changed something in me. My therapist reminded me that even though I may have had a negative relationship with birthdays before, that didn’t mean I was stuck there forever. I had the power to reframe my thinking.
And you do, too.
We all carry things from our past—old hurts, disappointments, or beliefs that make us feel like we’re not worth celebrating. But the truth is, there is something within each of us that deserves to be recognized. It’s not about grand gestures or big parties. It’s about acknowledging that who you are—your presence, your impact, your existence—matters.
You are worth celebrating. Not just on your birthday, but every single day.
So, let this be your reminder: Don’t downplay your worth. Don’t silence the people who want to lift you up. Let them celebrate you. Because you deserve it.
And if you, like me, have struggled to accept that? Maybe it’s time to start reframing your thinking. Maybe it’s time to let yourself be celebrated.
You are worth it.
