Reflections On Turning 26 Today

Well, this is an interesting post.

I put in my calendar that I wanted to do a birthday post today, because that's what all the bloggers do, right? They put on a sparkly dress, get those gold number balloons, and plaster a smile as big as California on their face for all the internet to see. Don't get me wrong. I love those pictures, and I like them a lot on social media. My personal experience with birthdays has just been a whole lot different lately.

Today I am turning 26.

My life's a mess.

I just cried in my bed.

I'm not in the happiest time of my life.

I feel like my best days are behind me.

Even though I know that's not true, and it's just the slight depression I am in right now clouding my judgment.

I think we all have this preconceived notion that birthdays are this remarkable milestone. You turned another year older so you must be wiser. You can reflect on this excellent year you've had. Woot woot!

In the past, birthdays have been that way for me.

I know that in the future birthdays will be just as special to me.

But in the eye of any storm, it's difficult to see what's coming ahead.

This post isn't to bum you out, although I realize that it's probably a little bit depressing.

I want to remind you that it's okay to feel down on your birthday.

Birthdays don't have to be this perfect celebration of life in all its glory.

Your day of birth can be just a day that is.

Your birthday doesn't define you.

It's not a day that you have to have all your shit together on.

It's just a day.

It won't hurt or kill you to have a bad day on your birthday.

Take the power out of this day.

Don't feel bad if you are celebrating your birthday as your authentic hot mess self.

Stop comparing yourself to every other Instagram birthday.

You can just be you on your birthday.

Amanda Cross