Between January 7th and February 18th, my family celebrates 14 birthdays. You read that right, 14 BIRTHDAYS. Within that window of time, two of my best friends revel in the anniversary of their births as well. This adds up to a lot of birthday cake and other first-world problems.
So while in a sugar coma, I pondered all the problems that come along with so much celebrating.
First, I had to clean my house because people might recognize that we live here between birthday parties.
Second, I was forced to shop for gifts to bestow upon the birthday boys and girls within days of another fairly large holiday (Darn Christmas!).
Third, the NOISE. Sleepovers, trampoline parks, an excited dog, and a basement full of party-goers produced a lot of noise.
Will someone please make their birthday wish for tranquility?
Despite my tragic first-world fiascos, I want to just say that I am grateful for a home to share with others and all the laundry, dishes, food, papers, books, toys, and electronic cords that pile up.
I am exceptionally thankful for the humans who drag all the laundry, dishes, food, papers, books, toys, and electronic cords through my home. They provide purpose and subjects to smother with love and attention.
The NOISE.
Typically, I have a reasonably high tolerance for noise, but I become a bit frazzled by Day 3. That was the case this past weekend as we let our boys host sleepovers back-to-back nights and then hosted a family party on Sunday. I had to acknowledge that noise was necessary in celebratory situations.
Silence is nice, but the laughter, stomping, squeals, and general racket that resonated was proof that my people were connected in a cacophonous way.
With each roar of rambunctious activity, I needed to be thankful that my kiddos were playing and carousing with friends and doing things they enjoyed. I had to be happy about the hullabaloo.
If you find yourself in a celebratory situation that frazzles your patience, I hope you will take a deep breath and blow out an imaginary candle.
Exhale the anxiety and inhibitions.
Inhale happiness.
Release your first-world worries about what food to serve, presents to give, or how to hide the dust bunnies. Take in the glory of good friends, growing kids, and lots of gifts to share.
It doesn’t take long to see hurt, ugliness, and scarcity in our world. If you find yourself in a situation where you have something to celebrate. Do it! Don’t worry about the mess, the noise, or shaking up your routine.
Worry about not taking advantage of those moments and making those memories. The greatest losses can come from being afraid to give up your time, effort, and talent. Put Intentergy into your partying purpose and I know your first-world problems will be replaced with energy and experiences that will make up for a little chaos.
By: Melanie A. Peters
P.S. We still have cake, if anyone is interested.
Intentergy 