Every year, I make the point that Valentine’s Day is my half birthday. Because guess what? It is! When did we stop celebrating half birthdays in this country, huh?? Has it become another victim of this “cancel culture” I’m hearing so much about? If so, I have to have a word with cancel culture because MY HALF BIRTHDAY IS COMING UP.
Despite being a leo, I never really identified as a Birthday Person growing up. It was always at the beginning of the end of summer when everyone was depressed because they had just gotten home from camp or had to start the summer reading they had been putting off (self drag). It never felt like a big deal! So instead, I made a huge deal out of my half birthday because ultimately I still am a leo and if I don’t get attention I will wither and die :)
“Making a huge deal out of my half birthday” really just meant announcing at every opportunity that Valentine’s Day is my half birthday (so that meant I was extra cool or something idfk). I didn’t have any traditions or goofy parties, I just had a need to point out the fact, and as you can see, that need continues today.
I don’t really know where that came from (apart from attention obviously), truthfully I just think saying that Valentine’s Day is my half birthday is really goofy!!! “I’m 25 and a half today?!” That’s hilarious!!! Having the day you turn 25 and a half be the most polarizing day on the Gregorian calendar?? Absolute comedic gold!!! Why not!!!
Now’s where we get earnest:
“Why not” seems to be the defining phrase of my twenties (though talk to me next year when it changes to “not understanding healthcare”). Not to be all Mindy Kaling on ur asses, but I do find myself saying “why not me” in many areas of life: career, relationships, the decision to get a massage next week. It’s liberating to realize that a lot of the reasons I think I can’t or shouldn’t do something are actually garbage! Society told me that people socialized as women should be palatable and agreeable and likable and all that, but nobody REAL said that! I’m allowed to do improv and say I enjoy doing it, no matter how big a stir that’s gonna cause!!!!
The point I’m trying to make is that if it feels fun and goofy to make a big deal out of something small, there is no reason why the heck not to. If literally anything brings you joy, I think that is reason enough to do it. And if that thing is being annoying about your half birthday, so be it!!!! It’s hard enough as it is to get through most days, so finding joy in anything is a victory IMO.
My goal for 2022 was to keep following things that bring me joy. Not because I’m trying to be a wine mom with inspirational placards in her living room, but because it helps me trust myself. It makes me feel like I understand who I am and that I’m not just grasping at straws the way I do with most other things in life (see: healthcare).
But truly what do I know. I’m just a dumbass 25 and a half year old.
I can’t tell if this newsletter sounds annoying and sweet like a Hallmark card, but maybe that’s fitting because it’s almost Valentine’s Day my half birthday. Sometimes I’m like “how come I get so earnest on here so frequently?” But then I’m like “maybe it’s because I’m not just some clown for your amusement, I don’t always have something FUNNY to say; sometimes I have fEELINGS!!!” and then I’m like “ok seems like it’s about time to wrap this up!”
So with that, this has been my newsletter for the week. HVD to all who celebrate.
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Thanks for reading! BYE!