Happy Birthday To Me
Why You Should Schedule, Plan, and Execute Your Own Birthday Party
Extraordinary women surround me in my life. I’ve intentionally cultivated a friend group that challenges and inspires me. I’m always learning from them as we share our life experiences. One of the most inspirational is my friend Vickie.
Vickie has a brilliant tradition: She plans and executes her own birthday celebration each year. By taking care of the details herself, she ensures the annual observance is what she wants. Here are a few things you can do to make the day special.
1. Choose a date and clear the schedule.
Nothing happens until it’s scheduled, so pick a day and set aside the time to do what you want.
2. Order your cake.
Do you have a favorite flavor or maybe a favorite bakery? Make sure you have a special treat that you love.
3. Make dinner reservations and pick up the check.
Do you have a favorite restaurant? Do you want company? You get to choose who to invite. Pick a date, make a reservation, and pick up the check. Remember, this is your party. You’re worth it.
4. Buy your own gift.
This part is optional. We’re old enough not to need anything, but sometimes it’s nice to treat yourself to something you’ve wanted for a while. Now is the time.
5. Take some time to reflect on the day.
Spending some time contemplating your life with gratitude may be the biggest reward of this practice.
I established an annual birthday tradition several years ago. Each year, I schedule a day to eat my favorite snacks while watching my favorite movies, The Godfather Part 1 and The Godfather Part 2. I will add the recommendations above in the future. The older we get, the more precious the celebrations.
This concept does not excuse us from celebrating others. Everyone (yes, every one of us) likes attention from those they love. We need to know that we are loved and on the minds of our friends and family. So, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (Jesus said that.)
Celebrating yourself isn’t selfish—it’s a powerful act of self-love and appreciation. By taking charge of your own birthday plans, you ensure that the day is meaningful, joyful, and precisely what you want it to be. Whether it’s a simple dinner, a grand celebration, or a quiet day of reflection, you deserve to honor yourself in a way that feels right. So go ahead—schedule, plan, and execute your perfect birthday. You’re worth the celebration!
