Birthdays – what do you think about them? Do you celebrate your own with as much energy and joy as you celebrate those of your loved ones? Do you shout it from the rooftop that it’s your birthday, or do you hide?

I’m a Leo and the answer for me is very complicated.

On one hand I think it should be celebrated – this gift of life. Especially the older I get. It is a privilege to be able to grow old. Not all my family and friends have survived to this age. (Not that I’m old, yet, but definitely middle aged.)

It’s not the same though. Celebrating without family and friends, because they have moved on to the afterlife. The years of going out for lunch or morning tea to celebrate a friend’s birthday isn’t something I can do anymore. Shez is smiling at me from her place in heaven. So are the others who I’ve loved during their time here on earth.

This paradox must be felt especially by those whose loved ones passed away on their birthday.

Despite these emotions, I am still big on celebrating birthdays. Chocolate brownie, a cute cat picture and new notebooks are all it takes to make me happy. It’s taken me 58 years to work out who I am. I’m still figuring out how to be that person, but I’m getting there.

Birthdays are to be celebrated – that’s my view anyway. We are each amazing individuals whose life here on the earth counts more than we will ever know. I feel this especially with my children – they are the most treasured people in my life, no matter what.

In honour of turning another year older, I’ve made one of my e-books free for a few days.

Daisy’s Magical Nursery will be free 12-14 August 26 (US time)

AU link – https://www.amazon.com.au/Daisys-Magical-Nursery-Blackwood-Women-ebook/dp/B0GLZ4TW31

US link – https://www.amazon.com/Daisys-Magical-Nursery-Blackwood-Women-ebook/dp/B0GLZ4TW31

If it’s not free when you click on the link, check back in a few hours, this happens in US time, not AU time.

On my birthday, I’ll raise my coffee mug in honour of friends and times gone by. I’ll also smile mischievously and look to a future of making new connections with family and friends. Life is the most precious gift of all. x