How to Have a Fantastic Birthday

Updated: Nov 3, 2022

I saw this fun post from an Enneagram 9 Instagram Account that shared "The Best Parts of a Birthday for a Nine."

Here's what it listed:

feeling permission to ask for what you want and speak your desires
feeling loved and special and valued
a day that's about you, and that's expected and OK
kind words and affirmations from friends and family
eating favorite foods and special treats
being with the people that you love
thoughtful gifts and gestures
self-care, sleeping in, flowers
space to be grateful and reflect on the past year

I thought this was a great list. Don't you agree? All of this would make a fabulous birthday. This list would be perfect for Mother's Day or Father's Day, as well.

You could give this list to the people in your life to help them know how to make your day extra special.

But here's a word of caution, dear friend. If you do it, only do it to help them...not you. You need to drop all expectations of anyone doing any of this for you if you expect the day to feel happy.

Why?

Because they are human beings and they may or may not end up delivering. And if you're expecting it, you're setting yourself up for disappointment and lots of self-pity.

My husband is a 2 and he's one of the most thoughtful people I know. But he is not the best with birthdays (and I'm not either...our poor kids!)

A couple of years ago we were on a stressful family vacation in an RV when my birthday came along.

I was waiting all morning for someone to acknowledge that it was my birthday. It didn't happen. My brain started offering lots of thoughts about how no one appreciates me, I don't matter, blah, blah blah. And I started feeling so sad.

But then I remembered something important that I had learned: No one can make me sad. And also, no one can make me feel loved and valued. They can try. They can do and say all the things, but I'm the one who makes me feel loved and valued...with MY thoughts. And I just decided to make it amazing for myself.

"Guess what day it is, kids? It's my BIRTHDAY!!"

Of course, my husband felt horrible and apologized a million times. Haha. Honestly, I didn't blame him. We were in survival mode with our kids packed into a motor home trying to get around crowded Yellowstone.

But I remembered how awful I feel when I'm in a victim state, and that I'm the one who would have to change my thinking if I wanted to feel loved and appreciated.