A follower from another thread asked if I had a "holiday" birthday, and if so how I celebrate. I was surprised by my own answer (see below), and it got me wondering about how you all see and celebrate your birthdays. I'm curious since I’m making a conscious effort to love and care for myself. Our culture teaches us to look outside for validation and to complete ourselves. I don’t believe that anymore. How can I truly love someone else if I don’t come from a place of self love? As you can see the question got me thinking - LOL. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts. My response to "Do You Celebrate a Holiday Birthday?" Yes, two days before the famous one. Usually not a celebration, but a “BTW Happy Birthday. Let’s celebrate after the holidays, ok?” That almost never happens because everyone is exhausted and life takes over. I’ve learned to do things for myself that remind me I’m glad I made it to the planet and help me feel nourished and loved. These include visiting my friend’s horses and cows (They are so affectionate. You haven’t lived until you’ve been licked by a cow), asking a few close friends for a hug (I don’t say why), treating myself to a book I can hold in my hands, and eating a favorite, normally forbidden food. And then I make sure to take a long walk to see what gift the Earth has for me. This year it was a barred owl sitting on a branch not six feet from me. We had a good long exchange before I continued my walk. Being alive is special. I am grateful.