YEEEEAAAAH! I literally jumped out of bed at 7 a.m. like: "IT’S MY BIRTHDAAAAAY TOOOOOODAY! WUHUUUUU!" 😊))
Well... okay, I actually screamed just to wake up my husband...BUT...did it work? NOPE. The man didn’t even move. What the hell, mister?!
But whatever. Doesn’t matter. I’m going OUTSIDE TO DANCE! He can stay in bed and sleep, because, ya know... someone has to work today...to bring me food. And beers. Very important mission. 😌
A few years ago, when I was in my 20s, birthdays made me kinda... nervous. Why? Because turning 30 felt scary. Like, NOOO I DON’T WANNA BE A REAL ADULT YET! 😱 But now I get it...that was just dramatic nonsense. 😊 And it was just the beginning of naps and better wine.
Now? I’m like, “Pffft, who cares about numbers?” I feel 29. (Even if my ID says something else. 😊)
Although... my body sometimes says: “Girl... you CANNOT party for two days straight anymore. This ain't 2008. Please, sit down!” 😉 Also my head: “Enjoy your hangover, queen.” 😊
When I was 18...drink. Sleep 2 hours. Wake up fresh. Party again. Now...one night out = 2 days in bed, Netflix, and complaining. ( also, painkillers! ) But hey, the best part? I can use my age as an excuse. “Sorry, I’m older now, my liver doesn’t do shots anymore.” And people nod respectfully. MAGIC.
People say we grow wiser every year...I mean, sure... I’m more grown-up than when I was 18. Back then I was just a baby with eyeliner and no clue. Now I’ve got life experience, a few wrinkles, and better selfie poses. (Seriously. I looked back at photos from 15 years ago... and oooof. The angles. The facial expressions. What was I even doing??) 😉
But “smarter”? Hmm... I don’t know...I still say weird stuff....I still forget where I put my keys...I still eat cake for breakfast. But I’ve read more, learned more, and I now know the difference between wine types. That’s growth. 🍷😂
But one thing I know for sure... I found this quote once and it really stuck with me:
“You grow through what you go through.” — Tyrese Gibson And YES. That part is true!
Anyway, I’ve got a bit of time now... (Mister Husband is STILL sleeping. I had to make my own coffee... rude.) But the sun is shining, birds are singing, and I’m feeling inspired... so I thought...Let’s get nerdy for a sec. Let’s see what birthdays were like back in the day! 😊
What even IS a Birthday? Okay yeah, we all know...it’s the day we were born. But it’s also: A celebration of EXISTENCE A time to reflect on life ( pff...we can do that every day) 😉 A sweet reminder that people care about you
So how were birthdays celebrated back in history? ( mwahaha...I told you...history time) 😉
Ancient Egyptians- Only pharaohs had birthdays. And not real birthdays...their coronation day was considered the day they became gods. Fancy stuff.
Ancient Greeks- They gave moon-shaped cakes to the goddess Artemis. Possibly where the idea of birthday cake came from. (But I bet their cakes were kinda... dry. Just saying. 😉))
Romans- They were the first to celebrate actual birthdays...BUT only for men. Women? Nah. Honestly though, lucky them... No one knew their age so they could LIE without guilt. Point for women! 😂
Middle Ages (Europe)- Christians were like “Birthdays? Too pagan.” So unless you were a king or a saint, nobody cared.
And modern birthdays now? EVERYBODY gets one! All ages, genders, classes. We’ve got cake with candles. (thanks, Greeks and Germans!) Gifts (shoutout to the Victorians) And of course, parties, music, chaos, and weird stuff like “birthday bumps” and “smash cakes” for babies...(I really don’t know why...) 🤔
Has the meaning changed? Yes and no.
Still the same... A celebration of life...A moment of community, annnnd, a reminder that time is flying (!!!)
What’s new... Birthdays are now more personal, also more commercial, plus social media made it a popularity contest (but hey, I’m not complaining...keep the birthday wishes coming even if I barely know you 😉)
So yeah. Once upon a time, only gods and kings had birthdays. Now? It’s a global tradition to say: “You matter. You’re alive. You made it another year.”
Stay young in your heart. Your face might get lines, but that just shows you’ve laughed, cried, and lived a life worth celebrating.
And yeeesss...I’m still here! Still smiling, still dancing (but with painkillers), and still happy.😊
(See? Told ya... smarter every year!) 😉
So now...I’m waiting for my husband to wake up and take me somewhere with carbs and cocktails...;)
Happy birthday to me. Still fabulous. Still weird. And possibly wiser. 😂
With love, @tinabrezpike ❤️
