HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEE!
Today marks the 23rd anniversary of my birth. It’s funny how I have only been on this planet for a very small period of time, compared to earth’s 4.5 billion years of age. It’s funny how my existence is in no way relevant or important. The day I came into this world, nothing really changed. The stars didn’t align themselves in the shape of a lioness, the sun didn’t rise from the west and the moon did not shine any brighter. Nothing happened. Just another naked, crying baby was born after causing its mother an entire shitload of pain.
23 years later, it is almost the exact same level of irrelevancy. I didn’t discover a new science, I didn’t invent something that could make our lives easier, I didn’t end poverty or feed millions of humans, I didn’t end domestic violence, sexism or racism, I didn’t secure a better place for future generations, I didn’t compose new music, I didn’t write a book that could change the way you look at the world, I didn’t end obesity, I didn’t revolutionize dentistry, I didn’t find a cure for cancer, I didn’t win the lottery or the title of Miss Universe and I sure as hell didn’t become a billionaire. Hell, I’m not even a thousand-aire. I didn’t change the world in any obvious way.
So why would I celebrate this day?
Well, I have been thinking about this for a while, and I haven’t really found a definite answer yet.
Should I maybe celebrate the fact that it has been 23 years since I’ve left my mother’s comfortable nest? And is that really worth celebrating? I mean, I have often thought about going back there & staying for another quiet, relaxing 9 months, or maybe even move there permanently. Life is way too overrated, TAKE ME BACK TO THE WOMB!
Should I maybe celebrate the fact that the earth successfully rotated around the sun 23 times since the day I was born? There is nothing special about the number “23” so I really don’t see why this should be the reason.
Should I maybe celebrate the fact that my body underwent a lot of growth & development to get me to the stage I am in today? The amount of cell division & cell death that must’ve happened just stuns me. No wonder I am so exhausted!
Two lives that have definitely changed since my birth were my parents’. Being the eldest, I’ve completely changed their lives from being a carefree, young couple in their early twenties to two adults with quite a handful of responsibility. As I grow older, my love & appreciation for them grows as well, and so does their love for me. If anyone deserves a celebration on this day, it’s them; for bringing me into this world and fueling me with their passion for life.
I may not have changed the world, but there were many lives that have definitely changed mine. From my lovely parents, to my wonderful siblings, grandparents, aunts & uncles, cousins, best friends, friends, teachers, patients, role models, colleagues, acquaintances & loved ones. As I embark on my 23rd journey, I carry with me a piece of each & every one of them; from lessons taught (mostly the hard way), to information acquired, to unforgettable memories, to advice given/taken, to poetry shared and to the mere blessing of being surrounded with such beautiful people.
Today I celebrate YOU.
❤️