Birthdays became a sore spot for me because social networking made them into nothing. When I grew up there was NO way to learn another person's birthday unless they *chose* to tell you. It was Personally Identifying Information (even though that term didn't yet exist). And unless you made a note or memorized it, you couldn't be one of the few people who knew next year. it was special; you could be an insider in their life that way, but it demanded a tiny bit of effort. Now it's zero effort, you can automatically get reminders on [almost] anyyone. It feels like being stalked. Sometimes it clearly IS.
I think a lot of us see birthdays as a reminder of everything we haven’t done too. I try and intentionally change my mindset to focusing on the things I have accomplished, even if it’s just surviving another year, and last year I gave up on “parties” or hoping that other people would remember my birthday. My birthday falls on the first day of pride month, so instead I dressed up and put on a tiara and made cupcakes to take to the local brewery and drag show. Everybody is out celebrating and having a good time so I can ride that energy and kind of bribe people into being excited to see me (even if it is just for the cupcakes).
My birthday is in November, when my winter slump is in full swing. So my energy levels are low and my tolerance for social interactions is almost nil. So we keep it low key. The highlight last year was one of my besties dropping by unexpectedly with treats and a succulent.
Birthdays became a sore spot for me because social networking made them into nothing. When I grew up there was NO way to learn another person's birthday unless they *chose* to tell you. It was Personally Identifying Information (even though that term didn't yet exist). And unless you made a note or memorized it, you couldn't be one of the few people who knew next year. it was special; you could be an insider in their life that way, but it demanded a tiny bit of effort. Now it's zero effort, you can automatically get reminders on [almost] anyyone. It feels like being stalked. Sometimes it clearly IS.
I think a lot of us see birthdays as a reminder of everything we haven’t done too. I try and intentionally change my mindset to focusing on the things I have accomplished, even if it’s just surviving another year, and last year I gave up on “parties” or hoping that other people would remember my birthday. My birthday falls on the first day of pride month, so instead I dressed up and put on a tiara and made cupcakes to take to the local brewery and drag show. Everybody is out celebrating and having a good time so I can ride that energy and kind of bribe people into being excited to see me (even if it is just for the cupcakes).
Omgoshhhh, the degree to which we LOVE this concept. Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
My birthday is in November, when my winter slump is in full swing. So my energy levels are low and my tolerance for social interactions is almost nil. So we keep it low key. The highlight last year was one of my besties dropping by unexpectedly with treats and a succulent.
Honestly, I’m so down for the low key! That’s my plan for this week. Also, plants from friends just hit different! 😍
She’s the best!