It’s My Party & I’ll Cry If I Want To

Today it is my 46th birthday! Wow I cannot believe I am that age. It’s funny to think it has happened to me! Getting older sneaks up on you. One minute you’ve just left school with a huge future ahead of you and BAM before you know it you are turning 46.

This year, we are away for my birthday. A sunny December birthday isn’t something I’ve done often – only four times in my life – including this one, I’m lucky to catch some lovely hot sunny weather whilst celebrating today.

I’ve been thinking about what I want to achieve in the year. Given that time flies and it’ll be this time next year before I can blink my eyes, I really want to do some fun things just for me. I have no idea what and will see what I can come up with.

I love birthdays, it’s a way of saying to the world, I’m here and another year old – maybe not wiser – but I’m ready to tackle the next year. Bring it on.

I know for many, birthdays can bring a sense of dread, and if it does for you, i’m sorry to hear that. However, as it is your day, do as you wish and feel what you need to feel. As the saying goes, it’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to. So cry if you want or celebrate in style! Do your birthday your way!

To give you some food for thought, here is a list of things which may make you cry or indeed be grateful that you have survived another year.

• You are a year older. Whooo hooo, get yourself a badge – or maybe someone will give one to you.
• You don’t feel any wiser but you’ve got more experience in many areas. You know many things, so use that knowledge.
• Your have plenty grey hairs, they show just how experienced you are, and perhaps how much stress you have been under.
• The people you work with are young enough to be your children or grand children in some cases. It’s funny how you go from being the youngest to one of the older employees almost overnight.
• It feels like you never have enough time to do the things you want, if only work didn’t get in the way.
• Your cake just isn’t big enough for all the candles. Fire hazard alert!
• 1997 was just two weeks ago, yet somehow it’s 2025!
• You have no clue who sings any of the songs played on the radio, they all could be Taylor Swift.
• Your memory starts to go, you leave a room and forget why.
• Your body aches randomly and you make noises getting up from sitting down.
• You are alive, you have survived all life has thrown at you so far.
• You get to celebrate a day of you and nobody can take that away from you. So enjoy this day and make it all about you. Do what you want today as you’ve earned it.
• You are an adult and have no restrictions, run round the garden, dance in the rain, sing out loud, eat all the sweets you can buy.
• You can eat cake for breakfast on your birthday or any day come to think of it. What are you waiting for!
• You can stay up late – not that you want to, but you could.
• Ahhhh wine* insert appropriate alcoholic or non alcoholic beverage of you choice.
• You can have a party or not and invite who you want or not. No pressure, some people love a party, others do not.
• You have friends, family and pets who love you, give them a hug.
• You are more comfortable in your own skin than you’ve ever been, you don’t care what people think. You are living your best life.

Getting older doesn’t have to be horrifying. Whilst we may not like it, we should be happy we have made it to another year, as unfortunately, so many people don’t get to reach our age.

Each year is a blessing, it really is wonderful we are here and can celebrate our lives with the people we love.

Whenever your birthday is, happy birthday. Do something you love and celebrate your day. It doesn’t matter how old you are, enjoy it and create memories. Think about all the things you want to do and go out and do them.

I’m away to eat some cake!

Thank you for reading.

Have a great weekend and look after you.

Love Emma xx