How to Have a Quiet Birthday

I'm all for having a party when it's my birthday, but something about the actual DAY I was born has become something special just for me. I have chosen to make my birthday a quiet, reflective day. Here's how you can too.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen
• Paper
• Cupcake
• Candle
• Lighter
• Access to hot springs or a warm bath
• Bottle of wine/champagne

1. Pen & Paper. OK. It's your birthday. Why are you different today than you were yesterday? Get your pen and paper and write it down. You may even choose to write a letter to yourself so that you can open it on the next birthday.
2. A Drink. Open up the bottle of whatever nice thing you bought for yourself. This is something delicious. It is slightly more expensive than you might normally buy. It may be the best cranberry juice around (if you don't drink alcohol). OR that fancy BIG beer that you always think looks excessive. Also drink water. It sucks to have a hangover the first day of the next year of your life.
3. A Cupcake. You're going to have some cake sometime this week. Go to the fancy cupcake store and get yourself one (or two). Tell the person at the counter that it's for your birthday. They will smile extra big and maybe add more sprinkles.
4. A Soak. This one isn't just for the women. Run a hot bath. Use the fancy bath salts. OR, if you're lucky like me...visit a nearby hot spring or hot tub place. It's good to have time to just BE on your birthday. It will help you think about all that's happened. Then you can write it down (see Step 1).
5. Appreciate. Appreciate what you've got in your life, even if times are hard at the moment. Know that you're one year older - which means wiser and cuter. Embrace your gray hairs and the extra surprises that age brings us.