As I am getting older, I realize that I care less and less about my birthday. This could be because to me, it feels just like a normal day. However, on my most recent birthday, something in me changed my perspective on not only my birthday, but birthdays in general. Here is a list of reasons why I think birthdays should be celebrated and should be a big deal.

1. It is an opportunity to be used as a landmark to reflect on one's growth. Each year, people change and develop. This may be a good thing or a bad thing, but it shows progress on one's own life and far they have come.

2. It is a chosen opportunity to honor and appreciate a unique human being. On the day of one's birthday, loved ones, friends, family, and even acquaintances will go out of their way to wish you a happy birthday and show you how much they genuinely care about you (even if Facebook had to remind them).

3. It's the only day of the year that a person can do whatever they want (within reason of course)! I don't know why, but for some reason people like this aspect when it comes to their birthdays. I wouldn't do anything on my birthday that I wouldn't do on a regular basis, but other people do. Some examples are drinking, demanding people buy you things, and wearing whatever you want regardless of where you are.

4. Last but not least, it is another year that you are alive! I don't know about you, but having the privilege to get to live another year or even another day on Earth is a blessing in and of itself. You get to experience relationships, friendships, the birds chirping, sunsets setting, ice cream, good laughs, and so many other things that life has to offer.

Bottom line is, don't waste your year or days whining about how old you are because that is not going to get you anywhere. Instead, enjoy each moment that life gives you and take it for granted. You never know, this could be your last day or even year that you have to live. So, let's make the most of it!