Birthday Traditions by @SatinRussell #RomanceGems

The month of April always brings to mind new beginnings, mainly because it’s my birthday month. A couple of days ago, I turned 42 years old and am now the official answer to the universe. (Any Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy fans out there?)

Birthdays have never been something that I’ve complained about. Where most people choose to make resolutions during the New Year, I find that Spring tends to be my season for self-reflection and goal setting. One of my best friends has a birthday a month before me, and every year - without fail - she’ll bemoan the fact that she’s so old. (*cough*)

To me, it’s a privilege to get older. So many don’t have that opportunity. I never want to forget that having the chance to celebrate another birthday is better than the alternative (specifically, death.) When I was younger, people used to tell me that I’d feel differently as I got older, but I’m happy to report that hasn’t happened yet.

In order to encourage and remind myself that birthdays are worth celebrating, I’ve adopted two main traditions. The first is purely for fun. I like to buy myself a brand-new outfit, top to bottom. This means, everything. Not just the clothes, but the jewelry and accessories to match - right down to a new pair of shoes. How often do you really get to do that? I always make sure it's something that makes me feel beautiful and confident.

Taking my best shot!

The other tradition is something I started back in my early twenties. Every year around my birthday I make a point to try “One New Thing.” It’s meant to serve as a reminder that no matter how old I get, there’s still so much to learn and discover in the world. It also motivates me to stop saying “someday…” to things I’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t.

My “One New Thing” can be grandiose, but it doesn't have to be. Over the years it’s included everything from shooting a gun to singing karaoke to publishing my first book. One year, it was taking a paint class because I’d never painted on canvas. One year, it was visiting New Orleans for the first time.

My first attempt at painting.

This year, I’ve decided I’m going to try a Krav Maga class. I’ve been interested in taking a self-defense class for awhile now. And, I've been curious about Krav Maga in particular ever since I read Elle Casey’s Apocalypsis series where the main character is trained in it. (It’s a YA Apocalyptic story that is seriously awesome. I recommend anything written by her. I have literally laughed until I had tears streaming down my cheeks with some of her books.)

I’ll let you know how it goes! In the meantime, remember that no matter what your age, life can still be exciting and new. Don’t fall into a trap of ennui and cynicism. Celebrate your life!

How about you? Do you have any birthday traditions that you like to observe? I’d love to hear about them. Oh! Don't forget our Romance Gems April contest is underway.

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