For many women, birthdays can add a layer of stress to life. It’s one more year gone. It’s one more year that your kids have grown up. It’s one more year and you still don’t know what the heck your doing in life. It’s one more year of feeling insignificant.
Birthdays can make women feel anxious, depressed, insignificant and just generally sad….particularly if you feel stuck right now. Instead of feeling excited and special you feel guilty and lost. Instead of feeling ready to tackle the world, you feel exhausted and confused. So, let’s just be honest…for some women birthdays just stink. Are you one of them?
But what if it didn’t have to be that way.
My birthday was last week. I turned 36 (though for some reason I told people I was turning 38, until my mother corrected me. I guess when you hit your mid-30’s the years blur together). And for me, birthdays have never been a big deal. I certainly like to be acknowledged, but I don’t need a party.
And then, because we have two young kids it seemed like we hyped up my birthday mostly for their sake. We want them to learn that we celebrate everyone (toddlers can get very me-focused). That everyone is special. That everyone deserves to be lavished with praise. And though I have never thought about it like that before, it makes sense. Birthdays are a time I am reminded that I am worthy of love. That I am worthy of celebration. That I exist to do great things.
It is a moment when I am reminded that I am unique. And I have something unique and important to offer this world and others need me to be me. They need me to step into my uniqueness. They need me to speak up. They need me to use my gifts and talents.
But here is the thing. I don’t need a birthday to remind me of this.
I know this. Deep down, I know that great things are in store for me. I know that I have purpose in this life and that I can impact the world through simply being my best self.
I know this because I am clear about who I am and confident on how I am to live that out in my life.
So, with that, let me make a proclamation: My name is Rebecca. I am 36 years old and I am just getting started.
I am moving and shaking and changing the world. You can expect great things from me this year!
How about you?
If you need a reminder, let me just say…you are unique. You are special. You are worthy to be honored. And you don’t need a birthday to tell you that!
My advice? Just be you. The best possible you. When you do, your family, your community and ultimately the world will be impacted.
I believe that.
I know that.
I live that.
Here’s to a great year!
P.S. If you need help figuring out your best you, set up a time to connect with me. I’d love to help you discover more fully who you are and how you want that to play out in your life. Schedule a breakthrough call now!
