Happy Birthday to Me

For the first time in my life, I did something really truly for myself on my birthday last week. Birthdays were always an excuse to *treat* myself to some decadent dessert or meal. There was an unspoken understanding that all birthday celebrations would necessarily include a family trip to a restaurant. As my birthday approached this year, I realized that something was really different. In times past, I would be scouring local reviews and thinking (daydreaming sometimes) about some wonderful, succulent, decadent meal to crown the day's celebrations. Not this year. As a newer member to SparkPeople, I found myself worrying how I would choose a healthy alternative - would I go there and give in to my twisted way of thinking that treating my body badly was somehow a celebration? (not that there isn't a place for some decadence in moderation).

And it hit me, eating badly is not a celebration at all. So, for the first time in my life, I told my disappointed family that what I wanted most was to stay home, cook together a healthy meal (cajun barbecue shrimp baked with olive oil instead of butter - YUM), and watch a movie. There was some protest and I finally said, "my birthday, and this is my gift to myself - I give myself health and well being". It felt good to still feel good (instead of bloated) after my birthday meal, and I enjoyed our time together. So, I realized, every day, I can give myself the gift of health and, on the days things don't go as well as I planned or hoped, I can give myself the gift of forgiveness and understanding that tomorrow is a new day.