A birthday is always a special occasion, not only marking another year in life but also a time to reflect on the past and hope for good things to come. However, not every birthday brings joy, especially when you feel lonely and forgotten.
As the sunlight peeked through the window on that morning, I hoped to receive messages and calls from friends and family wishing me a happy birthday. But as I glanced at my phone, I was met with silence. No texts, no calls—just an empty screen. I felt like a shadow, lost among the hustle and bustle of life, surrounded by celebrations and cheerful greetings that were not mine.
The feeling of loneliness enveloped me. Memories of past birthdays flooded my mind, where laughter, cake, and gatherings filled the air. Now, those memories felt like a distant dream. I wondered if I had forgotten someone important or if everyone was too caught up in their lives to remember me.
Despite trying to tell myself not to let these small things affect my mood, sadness quietly crept into my heart. I decided not to let negative feelings overshadow me. Instead, I prepared a small celebration for myself. I baked a cake, brewed a warm cup of tea, and picked out my favorite movie to watch. Sometimes, self-care is the best way to overcome feelings of loneliness.
Sitting by the candlelit cake, I silently wished for better days ahead. I realized that even if no one remembered my birthday, it didn’t define my worth or the relationships around me. Love and appreciation don’t always need to be expressed through words; they can also be found in the simple moments we create for ourselves.
Although today might not have gone as I expected, I know that each year brings new opportunities. I will continue to live fully, opening my heart to the love and care from those around me. Most importantly, I will never forget to love and cherish myself, for that is the most valuable thing in life.
