The most basic form of self-care I find myself indulging in is gratitude, and boy, have I been gorging myself on it lately. So far this year, the most significant reason to be grateful was reaching my 31st birthday. To be able to experience an additional year of life despite ongoing racial and gender injustice, a democracy in crisis, and the pandemic which has claimed over 400,000 American lives to date is nothing short of a blessing.
What would have otherwise been an average, no-frills birthday this year morphed into an excellent opportunity to celebrate life in ways that are most important to me. This year’s (at home) celebration included capturing the joy that I was experiencing from having gotten one year older, grey hairs, and all (if you look closely, you’re sure to see them).
This year’s birthday theme? An ode to my youth in the 90s – a time when my life felt most innocently full and wondrous, a time that I am most grateful for – complete with lollipops, bubbles, and my subverted vibrant personality!
Happy [Very Belated] Birthday to Me!
Otis Lily 