I heard a funny conversation on the street between a 20-something man and a 20-something woman.
He asked, “When is your birthday?”
She replied, “Well, there’s my legal birthday and there’s the day I celebrate.” She explained she was born on April 1, but “that’s the worst birthday because you’re supposed to be happy but everyone plays tricks on you and gives you joke gifts.” So she celebrates on March 31.
I loved that.
As far as I’m concerned, if it’s legal; if it isn’t unhealthy for you; and if it doesn’t hurt anyone else, I say do whatever helps your happiness. And that includes creating your own story—whether that means changing your birthday, or changing anything else. It’s your life, so do what you want (kind of like the guy in that song by the Animals).
If you’re thinking about doing something unconventional, you might worry a bit about what other people think. That’s understandable, even if you try to subscribe to the mantra, “What other people think about me is none of my business.”
But it’s important to realize those concerns are mostly in your head. People don’t spend nearly as much time thinking about you as you think they do.
And that outside-the-box thing you did will become a new normal for you very quickly. Probably in about the 21 days it takes to form a habit.
Have you ever done, or considered doing, something unconventional, to be able to create your own story? Please join the conversation with your comments…
Best regards,
David