I love birthdays. If you know me, you know that. And, it’s not that I only love my birthday; I love celebrating ALL birthdays. I don’t just celebrate a birthday on the actual day, but I love to spend a week celebrating. Usually, I have these big plans in my head and a fantasy/dream to go along with it, and every year I usually am disappointed. I have just (essentially) celebrated my birthday for 10 days (from June 1 to June 10, with my actual birthday on June 5). This was the best birthday that I have had in a VERY long time.
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Happy Birthday to Me!
Before recapping all the events that have taken place, I want to share why I think it was the best I’ve had. In the past 2 years (yeah, we’ll round it to two) I have had many changes in my life. I quit my job of 10 years to take a pay cut and drive an hour to work, I have “lost” a couple of friends – but gained amazing new ones, I have become healthier from a nutrition standpoint, and have learned more about myself and creating balance in my life. All of this is so incredibly important.
Knowing who in your life is toxic and who actually has your best interest in mind is critical to your happiness. I was holding on to some friendships JUST because I had known them for a long period of time. But, making new friends taught me that just because you “do stuff” with people does not make them friends. Friends have your back no matter what and love you in your love language.
Love Language?
A couple months ago, I listened to the audible “The 5 Love Languages” By Gary Chapman. At this point I was not in a love relationship, but we all can apply this book to our friendships and relationships with family – really to anyone! This book explains 5 different types of love languages based on what a person values the most. For me, it’s quality time with quality conversations.
Some friends that I thought were friends were not interested in speaking my language. They were wrapped up in themselves and were only occupied with what suited them the best. My new friends show me love by speaking my language and wanting to spend time with me, or send me texts asking about me and seeing how things are. Because of this, I have learned what true friendship is like and have been on a journey to erase all the toxicity from my life. And now, I couldn’t be happier.
What does this have to do with my birthday?
Because I have eliminated toxicity from my life, my birthday was magnificent. Other than my family, there were 4 major players to this celebration. These friends didn’t get me present after present (although I did get some presents – cards, thoughtful gifts, dinners and even a BASEBALL game) but these friends spent time with me. We went out to dinner, the baseball game, to a few places to 
watch live music – all while conversing and talking with each other; learning some GREAT news and some not so great news. You see, this birthday wasn’t “all about me” it was spending time with people that I love the most. That’s what made this birthday so great.
Birthday Events
I started off the month with a nice quiet night to myself. I need those sometimes to recharge, and this night was perfect. Then, I went to a local restaurant for a band that plays classic rock music. They are pretty entertaining. Sunday was a day for my family. We went to a favorite restaurant for dinner and a chill night to spend time with each other. Monday (a day before my birthday) was spent with three wonderful people out at dinner. We sat on the patio (a little chilled) but had a great time.
On my actual birthday, the day started with my wonderful momma taking me out for coffee. I am currently obsessed with iced coffee right now, so this was wonderful. Then, some of the same friends took me to the ballgame! If you know me, then you know I love baseball, and I have now spent 4 of the last 5 birthdays watching the Indians live.
Wednesday was a bit of a recharge day, and after going to the gym, I took myself for one last birthday treat. I went to Dairy Queen for one of their ice cream cake “cupcakes.” Single serve ice cream cake?! Who wouldn’t love that? Thursday was a pretty productive day, getting things back to routine and doing some of the things I love. Friday was spent with the same friend that kicked off the celebration with more live music at a winery and Saturday was a date night with more live music at a chill coffee shop.
On Sunday, I recharged. Doing the things that I know make me feel good and being productive. I couldn’t think of a better way to end my birthday week. Getting caught up on some things, and ahead with other things.
So now what?
Now, I’m going to keep cultivating these relationships, and when someone new comes into the picture, treat them like these friendships. Being my authentic self, showing my appreciation – always and communicating my needs with them in hopes that they communicate theirs. You should not hold on to friendships just because of convenience. Losing friends sucks – even if it’s the best thing for you.
If you are interested in reading/listening to Gary Chapman’s “The 5 Love Languages,” I would HIGHLY suggest doing so. It was a short audible and I listened to it all in one day. Audibles are great in that you can be doing other things while learning. My commute to work is still productive because I am learning something new everyday.
But anywho, I digress…
Reading this book will open your eyes to a new way of looking at and understanding all relationships, as well as learning how you operate so that you can communicate your needs to those important to you. We can all do better in caring for others – even complete strangers.
As always, leave me some feedback either here – below this post, e-mail me (megs@thewheellifeblog.com), or on any of my social media platforms! (FB/IG/TW @wheellifeblog and Snapchat @megsh8). I would love to hear from you and what I can do to help. If there is ANYTHING that you want to hear about – please let me know! I can’t do any of this without YOU, so I would love to connect with you!
Let’s keep those happy thoughts, productivity and self-care going! Live honestly, passionately, and with kindness!
Megs
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