Hey everyone, it’s me the-25th-years-old-Rana here , an international Master’s student in Aeronautics at Linköping University. Just a few days ago, I reached the big 2-5, and let me tell you, celebrating it in Sweden was an unforgettable experience!
Instead of the usual party scene and receiving gifts, I decide each year to embrace the lovely connection that I made with the people I met in the past year. The different thing this year is that I started to realize the connection I make with myself and how it should be also celebrated. In previous years, birthdays for me meant gathering friends, family and loved ones and thank them about there existence in my life and how they built the happy moments with me in the past year. I used to make them small hand-made gifts and thank them for their love and support.
However, moving to Sweden and starting a new chapter in my life made , I started realizing something. My happiness wasn’t solely dependent on external interactions. My own inner world, the relationship I cultivate with myself, deserved equal attention and celebration. This past year, was very intense for me, it has a lot of self discovering moments and hard times of realizing my traumas and issues. Mainly, I have embarked on a journey of self-exploration, healing my past traumas and connect with myself. I spent time in quiet reflection, journaling about my journey, my challenges, and my victories. I explored activities that nourished my soul, be it painting, reading, or simply spending time in nature. It wasn’t just about indulging in leisure; it was about actively fostering a deeper understanding of myself. I recognized patterns, acknowledged my strengths and weaknesses, and celebrated my growth. It was like unearthing a hidden treasure within, a treasure deserving of just as much fanfare as any external celebration.
So, this year I spend the night of my Birthday in hotel room- which is one of my favorite ways to spend time with myself.
I also got a new dress and looked very pretty in my Birthday, which is a thing that I used not to believe about myself, that I’m not pretty enough. However, I reminded myself that day, that I look sooooo damn beautiful when I want to look soooo damn beautiful and I embraced that the beauty in the eyes of the beholders.
This inward celebration didn’t diminish the importance of celebrating my connections with others. In fact, I did make the small gifts for my loved ones as usual. Made with love and care as they used to be. <3
This year, my birthday became a testament to the importance of balance. It was a celebration of the love and support I receive from others, coupled with a newfound appreciation for the unique relationship I have with myself. It was a reminder that true happiness stems from both external connections and the internal peace found within.
And guess what? The experience was truly enriching. It wasn’t a solitary path; I shared my reflections with trusted friends, and their insights further nurtured my self-discovery. For those seeking a different kind of birthday experience, I encourage you to explore inwards. Celebrate your connections with yourself, your growth, and your unique journey. You might be surprised by the joy and wisdom you discover within.
Remember, a birthday is a celebration of life, and life encompasses both the vibrant tapestry of human connection and the rich tapestry of your own being. Embrace both, and have a wonderful celebration!
Rana <3
