My birthday is fast approaching, and I am not excited.
I’m excited for the superpowers that come with this specific birth year: gambling, legally purchasing alcohol, being able to go to any club I want to (extracurricular or otherwise). But, I am not excited for the occasion, nor am I excited for what birthdays bring. Oftentimes, it is but a hallmark card congratulating you for existing.
And why, exactly, do I deserve that?
I’m only 21. I haven’t made it that far in life.
I mean, maybe if I made it to 50 we should start celebrating, but 21?
The truth is, following my definition of success, I am not yet successful.
People mock Lil Yachty and Lil Pump, but Lil Yachty is 20 and Lil Pump is only 17. What they have accomplished in their short lifespans is phenomenal, and it leaves me to ponder what has been and what will be of mine. I guess it all depends on how you view accomplishments and triumph.
To me, success is creating some form of art that is enjoyed by the masses, accompanied by wealth and fame. Art makes people happy, and wealth and fame open doors of opportunity to pursue any dream or ambition and to impact the world in a profoundly positive way.
I don’t need a birthday party, and I definitely don’t need to be congratulated on existing by a crowd of people who don’t truly know me.
I don’t need to be patted on the back by people doing it as a courtesy, and especially those who only remember because it popped up in their Facebook notifications.
However, it is nice to hear it from people you care about. It reaffirms that they are thinking about you, and the presents they bring are always a nice touch.
But, I still don’t need a spectacle. At least, not yet, because I am not yet satisfied with where I am in life. You can keep the cake for when I am — I’ll let you know.
What I can appreciate from a birthday is that turning a new age is entering into a new chapter of my life. Essentially, if you do the necessary work, you can enter a new you.
Everyone knew the Ariel at 20, but who is Ariel at 21?
Who knows where a new year of life will take you?
So, instead of celebrating these 21 years that have passed, let’s toast to the many that have still yet to come. Let’s toast to the new Ariel.
—
Existing
We may wish our existence is magnificent
That we are significant
A name said by all layman
With all different cadences
An Amen
We take for granted those who already make us exist
For we do not exist in isolation
If we did then we cannot understand our own existence
Because to exist is to be in the midst of other spirits
And to feel love from even one is significant
Since an Infant
Now we’d like our digital imprint
To convince us millions love us
Because of likes and shares of us
But it is those close to us
Who listen and care and hug us
Who are here for us
Who love us
Who show us
We exist