Happy birthday to me!

 

The other day I thought to myself: Gee, I have lived three whole decades. That's a very long time. And inevidably, I had to ask myself what the hell do I have to show for after all these years? What have I achieved? Turns out, pretty much. Perhaps not according to the social norms, but looking back only a year ago I have done some real spectacular things.

 

And I have changed so, so much. Did you know, I have no real memories until I was thirteen or something. I was nothing before that. I had no self. I was a walking shell; a white sheet of paper waiting to be inked. I had no frames of reference. My parent never provided me with any. They just brought me to the world without teaching me about existence. I didn't know anything. Most times, I didn't understand the way of conduct, humna behviour, cultural differences, social norms, any of that. And because of this lack of understanding, I was extemely shy as a kid. And look at me today - a fully functional adult woman!

 

But what is my greatest achievement? I have plenty to consider: accomplishing life goals and dreams, completing my education, internship and striving upward in the workmarket, constantly challenging myself both physically and mentally, improvements of the self... Suprisingly, none of the above. Because all these things are easily achieveable. They are only a matter of determination. Anyone, and many I'd believe, have accomplished these things at some point in their lives. It's not worth mentioning.

 

No, my biggest accomplishment yet are my friends. I have always been blessed by excellent friendships. They are all from different phases of my life and represent a vast variation of self-development and self-recognition. I am who I am today because of my friends. Because they are so unique and characterful and have challenged me to uncover diverse perspectives and realise the beauty and vigour of human imperfection. They opened my mind to aspects where I'd have otherwise been highly conservative. Because of them, I have become tougher and less afraid of confrontations and of the great unknown. They have given me insights I could have never discovered on my own. And everyday they teach me to decipher the multilingual expressions of love. 

 

So on this special day when we ought to give back rather than to recieve, I'd like to pay many thanks to my friends for loving me, teaching me and accepting me for the one I am and have become to be. Always yours, sincerely.