During my younger years, the occasion of my birthday filled me with great excitement. I eagerly anticipated the cheers and well-wishes from those around me, and I cherished the gifts bestowed upon me by my parents and the birthday cake prepared by my sisters.
Upon entering the stage of marriage and parenthood, my perspective on birthdays evolved. I derived joy from witnessing my wife’s preparations for my special day and reveled in the heartfelt celebrations orchestrated by my sons, particularly their shows of the “Happy Birthday” song.
As the years passed and I matured, reaching the age of under 45, my approach to birthdays underwent a significant shift. I found solace and contentment in the simple pleasures of life, relishing moments of quiet reflection as I strolled through the garden, observing the things of existence surrounding me.
Contemplating the natural world – the trees, the birds, the sky – I recognized my interconnectedness with all living beings and the universe itself. Birthdays ceased to be isolated events, but rather extensions of the ongoing journey of life, prompting introspection and a reevaluation of priorities.
In this newfound understanding, I embraced a philosophy centered on self-contentment and inner peace, distancing myself from the pursuit of external validations and material aspirations. I acknowledged my role as the architect of my own destiny, finding fulfillment in nurturing my own happiness rather than seeking it through the approval of others.
Thus, I came to realize that true happiness begin from within, transcending external circumstances or the expectations of society. As I embraced this realization, I take control back for my own narrative and recognize myself as the author of my life’s journey.