The idea of
adulthood often baffles me. Anyway, happy birthday to me last Wednesday! It
wasn’t the best birthday ever, but it was a day with loads of emotion,
question, and answer. First thing first, I have to say thanks to anyone whose
pray for me and especially to those who spare some of their time to be present on
my birthday. Special thanks to Albi, my very good friend who’s been
celebrating the whole day with me since three years ago.
I started that day
feeling empty. I got nobody but texts full of wishes and greetings. I was sad
on the previous night, overthinking of why someone ignore and treat me
differently than to other friends. In the morning, I was thinking that today
should be a very good and cheerful day, but I was wrong. I did some chores
before Albi picked me up at 11 to watch Captain America. Oh yes honey, I watch
movie on my birthday. On the way, I told him I was sad realizing that there’s
no wishes from my uni’s close friends. I told him I always hate the idea of
acting innocent or playing tricks at this very age. But he, like he always did,
be the kindhearted one with wisdom on that morning saying that some people
prefer that way to congratulate your birthday. Tsk.
As we arrived two
hours early, we had lunch and talk. I said to him that it’s been two years I
went to the same mall on my birthday. After movie, we had deeper talk as we
wait for rain to stop. And I cried. Yes, in the middle of conversation and
laugh I cried saying that ‘I haven’t blew any candle. I want a birthday cake. Where’s
everyone at this very time? Why there’s no surprise? I won’t accept any late
surprise’. I became that clingy childish little girl in front of him and his
facial expression directly changed. He was worried. At least, in my opinion. After dinner, I once again whining over; 'I don't want to spend my birthday in my room, how sad!' We even visited every bakery near campus for the sake of birthday cake, but almost every store already closed. I was totally sad and angry and disappointed over friends who were acting like they forgot or something.
But then again, Albi reminded me about something I totally cannot disapprove. I didn't remember exactly what he said, but I underlined the points that woke me up. At that day, I turned to be the person that crying over symbols: candles, birthday cake, surprise, balloon, and all things you usually see on birthday party. I turned to be someone that really needs attention, love, and all things you want to feel on your birthday. But I forgot, that I already have my parents called on my birthday wishing me the best of the best wishes. I forgot that I have many friends that care to me so they took little time to text me or to send a video or surprise me (even though it was late). I forgot that there was someone that really close to me, accompanied me from day to night, he even arranged me a surprise. I forgot how lucky I am to still alive, healthy, still have a room to stay, an education to finish, books to read, dreams to pursue, and all immeasurable wonderful things.
I was sad because of my own thoughts, my own expectation, my own ambition.
At the age of 21 I received lots of great things which perhaps too good for me to own, but somehow God gave it to me. At the age of 21 I achieved things I want, visited places I want, checking all the crazy list I made every year, I could almost say that I have everything that I want. One thing I regret on my birthday is, I didn't wake up as a grateful person. I forgot to pray and thank God of what I have. But all the emotions I experienced that day, my 22nd birthday, has turned to be a fort. A fort that will protect me from the same feeling; ungrateful. It also become a reminder, that no matter how far you've walked, no matter how much you achieved, you must be humble and patient.
So by this post, I want to express my highest appreciation for everyone who remember my birthday and cherish the moment with me. I thank you for wishing me goodness and all. I thank you for giving me a lesson, a reminder, that you're all still stand by me and I have no reason to worry about it. And for each of you who still searching for happiness, it might sound cliche, but being grateful is one simple key of happiness.
By the end of the weekend I then realize one thing; I should be ready for 22. I am grateful that I already got a new big responsibility that will accompany my 22. All in all, this age is going to bring me to new places and experiences which I am ready for it, and I want to successfully pass this adulthood level! :)
At the age of 21 I received lots of great things which perhaps too good for me to own, but somehow God gave it to me. At the age of 21 I achieved things I want, visited places I want, checking all the crazy list I made every year, I could almost say that I have everything that I want. One thing I regret on my birthday is, I didn't wake up as a grateful person. I forgot to pray and thank God of what I have. But all the emotions I experienced that day, my 22nd birthday, has turned to be a fort. A fort that will protect me from the same feeling; ungrateful. It also become a reminder, that no matter how far you've walked, no matter how much you achieved, you must be humble and patient.
So by this post, I want to express my highest appreciation for everyone who remember my birthday and cherish the moment with me. I thank you for wishing me goodness and all. I thank you for giving me a lesson, a reminder, that you're all still stand by me and I have no reason to worry about it. And for each of you who still searching for happiness, it might sound cliche, but being grateful is one simple key of happiness.
By the end of the weekend I then realize one thing; I should be ready for 22. I am grateful that I already got a new big responsibility that will accompany my 22. All in all, this age is going to bring me to new places and experiences which I am ready for it, and I want to successfully pass this adulthood level! :)
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Surprise arranged by Albi and dorm's friends. |
Surprise on the next morning. I was no longer sad so I looked very cheerful |
A birthday dinner with high school besties |