For years, birthdays felt like a spotlight I didn’t want to stand under. I felt discomfort at the thought of someone wishing me a happy birthday, gifting me a present, or trying to make the day ‘about me.’

The idea of celebrating myself felt uncomfortable, and, upon reflection, even undeserved. My inner critic would say things like:

• “I’m nothing special.”

• “What is no one else celebrates me.”

• “I don’t want the attention.”