I used to feel sad and cry every year on my birthday.

I was bummed to be a year older and took it really hard.

One day I realized that I had to change my outlook and instead use my birthday as an opportunity to be grateful that I am in fact one year older. 

I set an intention to be excited about my birthday — to feel excitement and joy. 

Now, every year for my birthday I create a list of sorts. Like setting an intention for your birthday. 

It’s halfway between something that makes me excited for the upcoming day, but also embrace an opportunity to reflect on what I want — and how I want to celebrate.

About a month or so before the actual day, I give that list to my partner Josh.

He knows that these are the things that are important to me to celebrate my special day.

Sometimes it’s a list describing what I want to do or how I want to celebrate. 

This past year as I started to write it, I started reflecting on all the good things that have happened for us since last June and all the things I’m forever grateful for (such as marrying the right partner).

This year the list morphed into a blend of the things I wanted to do leading up to, during, and even after my birthday.

The first thing I wrote on it was “Start my blog.” I have a website but I had wanted to start a blog for the longest time. 

Frequently I am asked how I created something, and it would be great to have a central place for all this information to live. 

Secondly, I’m excited to have a historical record of the things we do, create, build, and make together. 

It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and so as a birthday gift to myself, I am officially starting my blog with the support of my Joonam Josh. 

To make my birthday wishlist more impactful I also include things I want to accomplish or attempt in the coming months. 

I strongly believe that the best way to stay young mentally and physically is to continue to try new things. 

The minute we say “oh I’m too old for that…” we should be very scared. 

I thought about the things I’ve always wanted to try, experience and learn.

What are the things that I thought were too expensive, or I kept saying “I’ll try that,” or I should go there next year?” 

I challenge you to create your own Birthday Wishlist!

It can be anything you want but ultimately it should be a reflection of you. 

It doesn’t even have to be your birthday. Maybe you need some extra time to plan for your upcoming birthday. Nothing wrong with planning ahead! 

Grab a fun notebook or nice piece of paper and write your name’s birthday wish list at the top.

Mine says Roya’s Birthday Wishlist 

Use fun markers or stickers and have fun with it! You can make it all about how you want to spend your special day.

How do you want to feel? What do you want to do? Who do you want to share this time with?  

List things you’re grateful for as you’re approaching your birthday. 

What’s something you’ve always wanted to try?  Maybe it’s something that might put you outside of your comfort zone… 

Write out your intention for the day. What are some emotions you want to feel around it? 

Is there a place you’ve always wanted to visit?

It doesn’t have to include a flight! Maybe it’s taking a drive and trying that new restaurant that you’ve had your eye on for way too long.

One thing I’ve enjoyed doing is a birthday photoshoot.

You can use your iPhone and a tripod or have a friend take some Polaroids. It’s a fun way to look back and remember the day. 

Ultimately the goal should be to bring joy to your day. Creating the birthday list allows you to do that for yourself, or alternatively, it helps someone like a partner or friend help celebrate your special day in a way that’s meaningful to you. 

Even if you don’t celebrate your birthday, it’s nice to take a moment to appreciate that you’ve lived another year on this planet. 

This year my list included both activities I wanted to enjoy that weekend and ambitions I have (creating a blog) and new things I want to try like learning how to sing! 

What’s on your Birthday Wishlist?

This was my perfect birthday weekend in San Diego last year. I’m looking forward to creating this year’s Birthday Wishlist. 

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Hi there, my name is Roya — that means dream in Farsi– I am a creator, marketer, adventurer, dreamer, curator of experiences, and plant-based lover of food on the search for the best plant-based restaurants in the world. 

My husband Josh and I own several acres in San Diego and it is our mission to live our best life while eating food that is fresh, healthy, tasty, AND good for the environment. Follow along on our journey with us.

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