Spending your birthday alone can make you feel desolated and miserable, but this is not a bad thing at all. With the current situation, and the majority of us are still in quarantine, there is nothing wrong with going solo on our special day.
So what if there is no one around on my birthday? It does not mean I cannot enjoy the special day alone. Even though my family and friends are miles away, there is no reason to celebrate birthdays alone when there is technology. What is the use of video calls, anyway?
Sometimes, we need to be alone. Not to be lonely, but to enjoy our time being ourselves. – Anonymous
The best way to feel less solitary is by celebrating and having a great time. Our birthday comes only once a year, and we should not miss celebrating it even if we are alone. Whether it is birthdays or anniversaries, celebrations do not just stop during a worldwide pandemic. The pandemic took a great deal from us- our daily normal routine and even our jobs. Do not let it ruin our special day, as well.
Here is how (I plan) to celebrate and enjoy (my) birthday alone while still being safe and healthy.
Start the day by getting up early and giving thanks. There is no better way to start the day than by getting up early. This puts us in a good mood for the entire day. I am not a morning person, but I will try to wake up a little earlier on my birthday. I promise!
Enliven my place, like hosting a big party with birthday banners and inflatables the day before my birthday to get into the party vibe. Waking up smiling, seeing your home decorated, is a pleasant feeling. For birthday banners and balloons, check out happydayph at Shopee. I received my orders a day after I placed my orders. That fast!
Watch a live broadcast of the Mass. Since my birthday falls on a Sunday and public masses are still suspended, watching Mass online is one way of staying connected with the parish and the church. Thank God for technology!
Treat myself to a delicious meal. Who does not love good food? For lunch, I will cook Pinaupong Manok, and for dinner, just Pesto Pasta. Or better yet, order via Grab Food/FoodPanda.
What is a celebration without a cake? So what if no one brings me cake this time? I can get it at any rate. Buy that cake I have been looking forward to tasting. I love the minimalist cakes of Wadough’s and Aegyo Cakes. I could have secured a slot on my birthday if only I inquired earlier. All August slots are already taken as early as July. I still have Mary Grace Cheesecakes in my options, anyway.
Binge a new series (not necessarily a new series) while having cocktails. I am planning to start watching “The 100″ on my birthday. I have not seen that post-apocalyptic fiction drama yet. There are lots of TV shows on Netflix. I bet it is well worth a watch because it is highly recommended by the Netflix Community. And yes, having cocktails while binge watching.
Lockdown is only temporary. When this is over, there will be a time to celebrate with our loved ones. Plan a great party or trip for when everything is over. Or just begin to think about next year’s party celebration.
Before the clock meets 12, write about things I am thankful for or anything that I would like to remember about my birthday in my journal.
Missing my family and being sad on my birthday is really OKAY. I realize that it is not as bad as what others are dealing with. I know I am not alone in this fight.