Today, March 10, 2023, marks my 34th time around the sun. My birthday! The day I was blessed to be a part of the human race thanks to my mother and father. After waking up early to photograph the sunrise, I was filled with a sense of joy and gratitude for just being able to exist. This reminded me of all the things I’ve accomplished so far and how much I’ve grown. Both personally and professionally. As all these positive emotions came about, It made me question, how can I live every day like its my birthday?
On my home, I passed by a familiar spot where tour buses let passengers out to view the serene Diamond Head Beach down below. This is the very spot where one year ago, I gained the courage to overcome my fears and get my work out into the world. Setting up a little table (unbeknown that it was illegal) for people to see if people would buy my work. It’s also where I met Jermaine. An entrepreneur who was there almost every day, passing out flyers to tourists and advertising his rental car services.
For some reason, today made me remember how he once told me to “Live every day like its your birthday”. Funny how it only dawned on me today what that really meant: To live every day with a sense of gratitude, compassion, and enthusiasm for life.
Birthdays are special occasions that we celebrate once a year. It’s a day where we feel special and loved, surrounded by family and friends who all wish us well. Living every day like it’s your birthday is about embracing each day as a gift and making the most of every moment you have. We only have this one life, so why not choose to live it the best way we can?
Here are some ways you can start to live everyday like it’s your birthday:
Wake up grateful
Start each day with a grateful heart. Make time every morning to appreciate everything you have in your life, whether it’s your family, your health, your neighbors, or your job. Express gratitude for the little things that often go unnoticed, such as the feeling of the sun kissing you skin or the birds singing out-loud as the sun rises. A little moment of positivity at the start of your day will set the tone for the remainder of it.
Treat yo’self
On your birthday, you treat yourself to something special.A fancy dinner, a coffee, or some limited edition photography prints. Treat yourself every day, even if it’s small. Show yourself the appreciation you deserve. Celebrate the life you live and acknowledge that you deserve to be happy and feel good.
Surround yourself with love
Surround yourself with love every day like how you surround yourself with loved ones on your birthday. It could be with friends, family or your spouse. You can even volunteer or join a group of like-minded individuals that you share common interests. If you’re an introvert like me, surround yourself with things you love such as art, books, or nature.
Live in the moment
On your birthday, you’re fully present and engaged in the moment. Live in the moment every day, whether it’s enjoying a cup of tea or going for a walk in nature. Practice mindfulness and focus on what’s happening right now, rather than being anxious about the past or the future.
Spread kindness
Spread kindness every day. Smile at a stranger, compliment a coworker, or volunteer to help someone in need. Show compassion and empathy to others and make a positive impact in the world.
Pursue your passions
Pursue your passions every day. It could be writing, coding, or creating music. Whatever it is that bring joy to your life or makes you feel alive, make time for it at least once a day.
Embrace change
Sometimes we get too comfortable with our daily routines and forget that growth is only one decision or act away. Embrace change every day. Try something new, learn a new skill, or step outside of your comfort zone. Embracing opportunities that come your way gives you a chance to grow and learn.
Celebrate your achievements
On your birthday, you reflect on your achievements and feel proud of what you’ve accomplished. Celebrate your achievements every day! This could be a promotion at work, completing a challenging task, or as simple as getting your laundry done. Acknowledge your successes and give yourself credit for work your daily accomplishments.
Have fun
Have fun and live a little every day like its your birthday. I know this might be hard especially for those who party hard when their birthday comes around, but just remember to have fun in this one life we have.
Believe in yourself
If you live every day like it’s your birthday, you would feel confident and believe in yourself. Believe in yourself every day! Whether through tackling a difficult project or pursuing a new goal. Trust in your abilities and know that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
Practice self-care
Practice self-care every day, whether it’s taking a hot bath, going for a walk, or meditating. Prioritize your physical and mental health, and take care of yourself in a way that feels nurturing and supportive.
Express your creativity
Express creativity each day, whether it’s writing in a drawing, painting, or boogying down to your favorite music. Engaging in creative activities on a daily basis can help you feel more energized and inspired.
Connect with nature
Connect with nature on a daily basis. Take a walk outside, work on your garden, or watch the sunset. Spending time in nature can help you feel more grounded and connected to the world around you.
Cultivate meaningful relationships
Cultivate meaningful relationships every day. You can easily do this by calling a loved one, writing a heartfelt note, or spending quality time with someone you really care about. Building and maintaining strong relationships can help you feel more connected and supported.
Practice forgiveness
Practice forgiveness every day, whether it’s forgiving yourself for a mistake or letting go of something that hurt you in the past. Holding onto negative emotions can weigh you down and prevent you from fully enjoying life.
Learn something new
Learn something new every day. Read a news article, listen to a podcast, or take an online course. If you want to feel more confident or empowered, expand your knowledge and skills each day.
Stay curious
Stay curious every day. Whether by visiting a new place, or learning about a different culture or trying new food. Approach life with a sense of wonder and curiosity and embrace the unknown.
Living every day like it’s your birthday doesn’t mean you have to throw a party or buy presents for yourself every day. It’s about approaching life with a sense of celebration and gratitude, and making the most of each day. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can cultivate a more joyful, fulfilling, and meaningful life. So go ahead, live everyday like it’s your birthday, and make it a day to remember!