How to Start a (Slightly) New Life | Thoughts on My Birthday

Hello. This is Kii.
Today is a slightly special day, so I am taking a break from my series.

Today is my birthday.
(It’s embarrassing, isn't it, things like this.)

I have turned 41.

Today, I have grown one year older.

I have a sense that I view my birthday as a milestone.
Nothing really changes from yesterday.
I just realize that the night has passed, and the number on the calendar has increased by one,

that is all, but...
this year, I have a feeling that I want to fully embrace this day.

I feel like this year is a little different from last year.

To be honest, I don't remember much about my birthday last year.

It was just an ordinary day.
I was overwhelmed with my daily work, doing my best just to get through what was right in front of me.

They say that when you become an adult, birthdays aren't anything to celebrate, and well, if you put it that way, that's how it felt.

But today is different.
How should I put it, I feel like I am experiencing my own birthday
as something that truly belongs to me.

It is a small change, but it is a very big thing for me.

A new life doesn't have to be something grand.

Every time my birthday came around, I would set goals, thinking, "What should I do this year?" I also had the enthusiasm of "I'm going to start a new life!"

But the phrase "new life"
felt somewhat distant and too dazzling, and I think it actually ended up cornering me.
...What I realized this year is that a new life doesn't have to be dramatic.

Being able to think "What kind of day shall I make today?" when I wake up in the morning.
Being able to tell myself "I did well today" when I get into bed at night.

That alone might be enough to call it a new life.

What is something you want to "start anew"?
I would be happy if you could let me know in the comments.

Thank you for reading today as well.

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Your follows and comments are the emotional support for me while I am on leave.
Receiving your thoughts and encouragement is a great source of motivation.
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