One Thing To Be Aware Of To Be Happy Every Day

I always hated birthdays. Birthdays have not been a big deal in my family. I never understood how we can celebrate more wrinkles and one step forward towards the end.

In 2009, I remember seeing an ad campaign, developed by the American Cancer Society about their work for over 100 years striving for a world with less cancer and more birthdays. I loved it and it really stuck with me.

Today, this add resonate so much with me: Today, February 4, is the World Cancer Day. Three days later February 7, is my birthday.

When I was first diagnosed over four years ago, there were serious doubts about whether I would make it to my next birthday. Cancer forced me to be constantly aware of one important reality: I am mortal, the people that I love are mortal, we are mortal. Each day people’s lives are cut too short not only due to a cancer diagnosis but because of other illnesses or tragic accidents. Each day over 150,000 people die. Each day my loved ones around me and myself are not one of those 150,000, should be a celebration. None of us knows the twists and turns our lives will take, all we can do is be happy, be grateful and enjoy the ride along the way. Each year 59 million people die. Each birthday is a celebration that I was not one of those 59 million. Each birthday is a gift to be treasured because nothing in life is guaranteed to us.

As I said, my birthdays have never meant to me. This year is different. Since a couple of weeks, when I think of my birthday, I feel nothing but excitement and gratitude. And even a vague idea of organizing a birthday party.

Now, I believe each birthday should be a celebration of the year behind us. A year in which we have hopefully lived our days to the fullest. When we reflect back, we shouldn’t measure ourselves by the number of new wrinkles we have, the decrease in our annual income or the size of our new car. Life is imperfect and chaotic, but isn’t that what makes it great?

Each birthday is also a fresh start for a whole new year. A year in which, if we do it right, we can love with abandon, laugh uncontrollably, enjoy unexpected adventures and get one step closer to achieving our dreams. Another year during which we will inevitably make mistakes, but hopefully have the grace to forgive the mistakes of others. Another year to be silly, take chances and face our fears.

I feel like I have lived a lifetime in the past four years. Life has an incredible way of showing us what really matters. I will never, ever again take a birthday for granted because I truly understand now, more than ever before, what a gift each birthday is. Be aware of your mortality helps you spend each minute at the best it can be.

When I blow out the candles for my birthday this year I will remember that life is a brief happening and my wish will be simple, it will be for many, many more candles ahead.

Happy birthday to me! And don't forget to invite me for your coming birthday!

Note: You are planning to send me a birthday gift, and I’m so thankful. But, please save the money and make a donation to Vision Of Hope. Nothing will make me happier than seeing those girls empowered and having a safe home. Message me and I will send you the details to make the donation. And happy birthday to me!

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