As I mark another year of my life today, I’m struck by a sad truth: I’ve often felt unloved and unnoticed because of my flaws. The idea that I need to be flawless to be worthy of love is a heavy burden, dampening what should be a happy day. Despite the feelings of heartache and isolation, I’m making a conscious decision to focus on celebrating another year of being alive.
Birthdays should be seen as a time to reflect on personal growth and self-love, rather than seeking approval from others or meeting societal expectations of perfection. It’s important to remember that worth isn’t determined by fitting into a specific mold of perfection. Embracing imperfections and flaws can actually be empowering. Today, I choose to celebrate myself with kindness and acceptance, recognizing that true happiness begins with self-love. As I make a wish and blow out the candles on my cake, I commit to prioritizing self-acceptance and self-love, regardless of outside validation.