The Color Chronicles

Healing the Birthday Blues with Grace

Healing the Birthday Blues with Grace

So, next week I'll be turning 44. Yes, it's a blessing to see another year.  However, for the past few years, as my birthday approaches, I find myself slipping into a familiar yet complex mood: the birthday blues. It’s an odd mix of emotions—gratitude for another year of life, reflection on past achievements, and an underlying sense of melancholy.

Birthdays are often painted as joyous celebrations filled with friends, family, and festivities. Yet, for some of us, they can also be a time of introspection and self-doubt. As the number of candles on the cake increases, do the expectations and pressures we place on ourselves increase as well? Am I where I thought I would be by now? Have I achieved enough? What have I done with my life so far?

Coinciding with my birthday is right after the midpoint of the year—a natural time to reflect on the goals I set at the beginning of the year. This mid-year check-in can be both a grounding and daunting experience. On one hand, it’s an opportunity to acknowledge what I’ve accomplished so far; on the other, it’s a reminder of the goals still left unfulfilled.

This year, my reflections brought a mix of pride and realization. I’ve made strides in my personal and professional life, yet there are areas where I’ve fallen short. But instead of seeing these as failures, I’m learning to view them as part of my growth. Reflecting on the past six months, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of flexibility and self-compassion. Goals are important, but so is the journey and the lessons learned along the way.

Bouncing Back with Self-Care

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of self-care. When I’m feeling low, prioritizing self-care becomes essential. Here are some self-care practices that help me bounce back. This is what I call, getting back to the basics.

  1. Daily Exercise: I know, I know. Exercise may not be your thing, but I cannot stress enough how important it is to move your body if you are able to. Find something you like. YouTube has all kinds of videos. I discovered my love of barre about 6 years ago and it gets me out of my head and into my body. And when class is done, I ALWAYS feel better. 
  2. Affirmations: I start each day with positive affirmations to set a hopeful and optimistic tone. Affirmations like “I am worthy of success and happiness” and “I am capable of achieving my goals” helped shift my mindset and build confidence.
  3. Journaling: Journaling has been my safe space to express my thoughts and emotions freely since I was a pre-teen. Continuing to write about my feelings, dreams, and fears has helped me process them and gain clarity. And to make the process a bit more special, I’ll make a cup of my favorite tea in one of my favorite mugs and light some incense or a candle.
  4. Rest When Necessary: Listening to my body’s needs is crucial. When I feel exhausted, I allow myself to take a break or nap without guilt. These short breaks provide much-needed rest and helps me recharge, making me more productive and positive.
  5. Grace: One of the most important aspects of bouncing back is showing yourself grace. Recognizing that it's okay to feel down and that it’s a natural part of life helps in moving forward. Treating yourself with kindness and understanding, rather than harsh criticism, fosters a healthier mindset and promotes emotional well-being.

Finding Joy in the Journey

Ultimately, the birthday blues and mid-year reflections have taught me the value of finding joy in the journey and self care. Life is filled with ups and downs, successes and setbacks. It’s these experiences that make us who we are. By acknowledging our feelings, reflecting on our progress, and taking good care of ourselves, we can navigate the complexities of life with a little more grace and a lot more joy.

So, here’s to another year of life—one filled with growth, learning, and the beautiful messiness of being human. And as I blow out the candles on my cake next week, I’ll remind myself to embrace the present, cherish the journey, and look forward to the future with excitement and positivity.

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