24

Another year come and gone. One of the best though, I'll say that. I've grown exponentially. I've discovered so many things about myself, those around me, and the world. 

A few years ago, spending most of my birthday alone would have sent me into a tailspin of hopeless anxiety. Today, I happily kept myself company, relaxed, and only felt depressed for a few moments while I sipped my wine in the pool with no one to talk to but my dog. I focused the day on me, intentionally. I suppose most people would feel like, duh, it's your birthday. But it's been such a long long time since I dedicated one whole day to solely myself, I thought today would be the perfect opportunity to take advantage of. 

I recommend it, you guys. Take a day here and there. Don't worry about how much crappy food you're eating, how little exercise you're getting. Don't think about how you shouldn't be spending that money or that something is a waste of your time. Buy the shoes. Eat the donut. Play the game. 

Every now and then, choose an entire day to shirk all responsibility and soak up every last bit of selfishness you can muster. It's good for the mental health. It's what I did today. And it really was the perfect gift.