Dear birthdays,
For some birthdays are dreaded days, for whatever reason that might be. I’m not going to lie, there have been birthdays these past couple of years where I didn’t really like it as well and maybe even dreaded the day. Another year older, another step into the future not knowing where said future would bring me or who it would bring me. There is always so much to be grateful for, yet it often reminded me of all the things that scare or scared me. It is okay to have insecurities but it is not good for them to overrule you.
My birthday reminds me of tough times, it always reminds me of how grateful I am to be alive and it reminds me of how strong I am. Because I always like to think and say “a fighter for life, stays a fighter in life”. So yeah, it might be scary to get older and to live in the future that you imagined back in the days, but you are getting older and you are living life, which is worth more than anything else.
As you get older it is kind of sad that birthdays turn into days like any other. As a child you get nervous and giddy about getting older, even weeks before your birthday. As a child it might really feel like your day which might make it so special. Nowadays the day itself is great, but to me it doesn’t really matter how I spend my actual birthday. To me it is more about celebrating it somewhere around my birthday with friends and family. Being grateful for the amazing and caring people in my life, giving back, spending time together and loving.
My birthday is at the end of June, so almost exactly in the middle of the year. Personally, I always like to look back and reflect on the past year of life while also looking at the year that is coming up. Life is so fast paced that it feels great to slow down and look at all the adventures and experiences. Often realising that the hard times and hard days are definitely worth it, because you are working and living towards your dreams and goals. Don’t forget to live in the moment as well though.
21 showed and brought me so many amazing people, moments and memories. As always it almost feels like I am a completely different person than I was last year around this time. However, I know that I stay true to myself, which is one of the most important things that I’ve learned over the years and it even made me more comfortable and confident in who I am. This year of life has brought me love, grief, strength, passion, music, new people, faithful moments, so many laughs and so much more.
Looking at the upcoming year, there is a sense of tranquillity and security. I have a great internship coming up starting in a few months that I’m really looking forward. Some city trips with friends and loved ones, exploring new cities with the people I love sounds like an absolute dream. Last year I would’ve never thought that this all would be happening in the next months. I’m hopefully finishing my bachelor’s degree next calendar year and starting my master’s degree. All while working on myself and growing as a person, sustaining relationships that are incredibly important to me. Next year around my birthday I’ll be looking at new places because I’ll be moving. Maybe I’ll even be looking at places to move in together with my boyfriend who knows.
There is a rough plan, how and if the road will take me there is something only time will tell and I can’t wait to explore and experience everything that is coming.
All my love,
Anna
Dear Anna,
Birthdays… Like you I am not such a party guy and in fact for me it’s a day like any other. Ofcourse you’re getting one year older, but in fact I don’t care about that too heavily!
Like Albert Einstein says: “I don’t vare about the future, it comes early enough!”
And William Wordsworth said:”A wise man doest not mourn what aging takes away, but is thankful for what it leaves behind.”
So I must say that celebrating my birthday is a moment of being happy to have all my beloved ones closely around me and having a good talk together.
I happened to be with good German friends of mine.
Then Eva, a very good friend of mine, told me about what her grandson wished for his fourth birthday:
“A whole lot of guests!” That’s one of the most special birtdaywishes I’ve ever heard. And that from the mouth of a four year old boy!
So, in relation to this child’s remark, at once I had to think of the title of an album from “Blood, Sweat and Tears”: Child is Father to the Man. A child in this case that expresses such a great birthdaywish!
Anna, again you have put a lot of good thoughts about “Birthdays” in this loveletter, thank you so much!
Best wishes, Ed.