A few days ago was my 60th birthday.
For many months preceding it, I had generated a large
and increasing amount of anxiety about this impending
event due to my own self-imposed pressure to celebrate
it as a big deal.
Sure enough, a couple of days before the big day, I
still didn’t know what I wanted to do, and was all
bound up in worry that I’d be hugely disappointed in
myself.
But amazingly,when the day arrived, I had a great time!
I realized it’s because it turns out that I felt special from
the inside out. Even though it was really fun when
others joined in, the real joy didn’t seem to depend on
any of those external things that I’d predicted would
be so important.
What occurs to me now is that I can keep practicing
that joy.
For me, it’s associated with the tremendously powerful
event of manifesting life in physical form. I like the
belief that there’s a non-physical aspect of my own
being–the I AM–that participated in the joining of my
parents and drew together all the energy and matter
that resulted in my physical birth.
The wondrous thing is that, when viewed from this
perspective, every single one of us successfully
manifested a human body, and then continued that
manifestation all the way to the present moment.
If this idea doesn’t fill you with awe, cover you with
goosebumps, or at least make you grin with happy pride,
think about it again.
Whether you believe you were created by God, by your
own non-physical aspect, or by the entry of a random
sperm into a random egg through a process determined by
chance, genetics and various environmental factors,
there’s nothing about your development from a
microscopic dot of organic matter into a human body
emerging out of your mother’s body that’s not beyond
astonishing.
Then, you made it from that tiny size and limited
ability to what you are now. Amazing!
The facts of your birth and development into an adult
are manifestations that surely mightily overshadow
every other dream you could conjure about what you want
to be, do, or have.
If ever you find yourself thinking you’re a failure,
you can’t do anything worthwhile, or you’ll never
amount to anything, then you’ve no doubt lost track of
the very fact of your physical existence.
If “you” (including whatever forces you perceive to be
on your team) can pull off creating a living human
being from scratch, is there REALLY anything you can
dream up that “you” ( including all those forces) can’t
do???
My theory is that birthdays are so great–at least in
my culture–because they are the one day each year that
we each have social encouragement to think we’re
wonderfully special, to be showered with love and
positive attention, to dream big and have our wishes
come true, to think we deserve good things.
What do you suppose would happen if you were to treat
yourself this way every day?
And, how do you imagine your life would be if you were
to also regularly remember the stunning accomplishment
of creating your wondrously complex body?
You’re pretty amazing, you know!
So, to take a little informal poll, could you post the
answer to this question: do you feel special on your
birthday? If so, please share what helps you feel
special, so others can also feel inspired!
I want to use this opportunity to say a big Happy Birth Day! to the great Doctor! I wish you more years of achievements with divine strength.
As a matter of fact, on my birthdays, I sometimes forget that it was until event in my country forced me to start noticing that day, because it became significant political as an unofficial Democracy day (Nigeria).
Ordinarily, I feel special daily and so I did not see an extra attachment to that day as I thank God everyday already for creating me wonderfully.
Though, I presently feel different these days on my birthday because am more matured and understand the significance of my birth. Though, I have never really done any big time celebrations to show it, but my appreciation and gratitude to God almighty on my birthday nowadays is deeply rooted am it comes from within.
Dear Doctor, happy birthday once again, Long Life and Prosperity!
Thank you Rotimi!
I’m so enjoying your expression of your faith and lovely relationship with God. Reading all the comments makes me want to sit and have tea with each person, to explore and experience our world through both minds and all our senses. Where in Nigeria are you?
Warmly,
Alexandra
Happy Birthday Alexandra! Celebrating with you the day you chose to grace this planet with your presence/presents 🙂 Not only happy birth day….wishing you much magic in every day to come as well <3
Yes, I feel special on my birthday and sometimes I'd like to celebrate a little different than ended up. However, it is a tradition in my family to celebrate as long as possible which includes as long as anyone remembers or reminds of such. So, when I was 49 (June 2013), I started celebrating my 50th year all year long as I decided that was a milestone I wanted to make extra special. Of course I had to celebrate it all 2014 because that was the year that I "became" 50 and will continue to celebrate until June 2015 when the whole 50 bit will be a fond memory and I will find some other excuse to celebrate, gift myself and be grateful for all the joy that comes my way 😀
Happy Unbirthday to Everyone reading this…unless it is your birthday or you are still celebrating…..then Happy Birth Day <3
Thanks Michelle!
So, what did/do you do to celebrate??
: ) Alexandra
Congrats on turning 60 Alexandra, thing is I don’t feel special any day I try to have Wallaces mind set but sometimes it’s very difficult
Hi Andy,
Thanks so much for your wishes and your contribution here. I wonder how many others feel that way. Here are some questions that come to mind:
To you, does “feeling special” mean that you would have to be superior to someone else? Do you believe that it is okay or possible to feel special without being “more special” than others? (If we substitute the words “unconditionally lovable” for the word “special,” does that change your answer?)
Were you exposed to conditioning that you weren’t worthy of respect, praise, attention, or love?
Do you remember ever feeling special?
It’s an interesting thing to explore, since the riches are so fun to find!
Warmly,
Alexandra
Alexandra~
In spite of, or perhaps because of, your continued progress through life you continue to demonstrate that you are one of the more insightful and thought-provoking beings on our
planet. Thanks as always for sharing your unique perspectives! Enjoy your continued
celebrations….
Thank you, John. I’m smiling at the thought of aging. (Who, ME??? : )) So far, while I occasionally find I can’t pull up someone’s name right away, I feel more curious and interested in life and learning than ever before. Feels like it’s the result of both what’s come before, and my continued practice to align myself with the aspect of myself that doesn’t age, but only expands. That means I get to feel more love, more delight and fun, more freedom from prior conditioning, more courage, and less concern about impressing or pleasing others.
How’s it with you?
Warmly,
Alexandra
Hi Alexandra
I feel special in a number of ways on a daily basis and particularly on my birthday. My mother fell downstairs while she was carrying myself and my twin. I became the only survivor as my twin was stillborn.
I am also a Christmas baby, Dec 25th, and I felt when I was young that my birthday was overshadowed by the Christmas celebrations. However my mother almost always found time to bake me a birthday cake in addition to all her other tasks. She had many as I had 10 brothers and sisters. After I became an adult, I joking said to many that the whole world celebrated my birthday. I am a follower of the teachings of Christ and it is serendipitous that my birthday should be shared with the day the world celebrates his much better known birthday.
I love the way you put our manifestation into this hologram that Shakespear called a play. I shall be using it as I feel it adds a dimension to the way I have been giving thanks on a daily basis for being allowed to play on the sandbox we call Earth.
May you have another joyful trip around the sun.
Namaste
Fred
Hi Fred,
I love that thought of “another trip around the sun.” Thanks! Next Christmas, I’ll be thinking of you as well as the one whose name is on that birthday, which I also celebrate. With all the subscribers to my ezine, no doubt every day it’s the birthday of more than one person!. Just makes me grin to think of all that light.
Warmly,
Alexandra