Birthdays
I've always had a weird relationship with birthdays. Until fairly recently they were a really big deal for me. I'd get excited as they approached, and would spin out fantasies of exactly how it would be. What fun things I would do, what lovely gifts I'd get, and how much glowing attention and love I'd be the focus of on my "special day". The thing is, my birthdays rarely ever lived up to expectations. In 32 years I can think of 3 years where I actually enjoyed myself on the day of my birth. Some years were simply lack luster, but in most cases the day actually turned out terribly. I'd have a rotten day, and then be in a funk for a couple days afterward. It wasn't good.
What I eventually realized was that it wasn't the day it's self that was the problem, it was my expectations for it. I was just setting myself up for disappointment. So a few years ago I just let it go. I quit caring about the day as a whole. I no longer try to control everything and just let what happens happen. All in all, it's been working for me. The presents are still nice, but other than that it's just another day. And I'm happier.
I think there might be a lesson there for me about life in general.
What I eventually realized was that it wasn't the day it's self that was the problem, it was my expectations for it. I was just setting myself up for disappointment. So a few years ago I just let it go. I quit caring about the day as a whole. I no longer try to control everything and just let what happens happen. All in all, it's been working for me. The presents are still nice, but other than that it's just another day. And I'm happier.
I think there might be a lesson there for me about life in general.