A Simple Celebration: My 34th Birthday Reflection

A Simple Celebration: My 34th Birthday Reflection

May 19, 2025 — I turned 34 yesterday. Another year older, hopefully wiser, and still standing strong despite the many battles I’ve faced — both seen and unseen. Unlike the past birthdays filled with planning, preparations, and pagod, this year, I chose simplicity. I chose peace. I chose family.

A Different Kind of Birthday

Alam mo ‘yung pakiramdam na pagod na pagod ka na emotionally, mentally, physically, and you just want to pause even for a day? That was me leading up to my birthday. The week has been draining. Deadlines sa work, responsibilities left and right, and honestly, my body and soul were crying out for rest.

So this year, I made a decision — walang bonggang handaan, walang pressure, just a day to breathe. And it turned out to be one of the most meaningful birthdays I’ve had.

Last Year’s Exhaustion

Looking back, my 33rd birthday was the total opposite. I remember waking up early to start the food prep. From cooking, decorating, entertaining guests, and making sure everything looked Instagrammable — it was a whirlwind. By the end of the day, my feet were swollen and my back was aching, parang ako pa ‘yung hindi nakapag-celebrate sa dami ng ginawa ko.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful I was able to pull that off. Pero this year, I just didn’t have it in me to go through the same thing. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, May, this time, you deserve to rest.

A Day of Gratitude

I started the day with a quiet prayer. No social media posts, no “birthday mood” reels, just me and my thoughts, silently thanking the Lord for another year.

"Thank You, Lord, for keeping me alive. For the second, third, and fourth chances. For allowing me to see another sunrise on my birthday."

At 34, I realized how powerful gratitude is. Life has not been easy. There are days when it feels like everything’s falling apart — pero andito pa rin ako. Breathing. Living. Hoping.

My Simple Celebration

We didn’t go out to a fancy restaurant. Hindi rin ako nagpa-cater or naghanda ng bonggang pagkain. I just spent the day at home, kasama ang pamilya. We shared a simple meal. I just ordered "bilao" from our favorite food package seller here in Doongan and that's it!

My mom surprised me with her pansit — nothing grand, but it tasted like love. None of my siblings greeted me, and I guess that's normal for us. My father didn't even remember that it was my birthday, but it is again normal for him, hahaha. In the afternoon, we talked about life with my husband and my pamangkin Miles in my mother's house.

It wasn't about the food, the decorations, or the gifts. It was the presence of the people who truly matter to me. That was enough.

Realizations at 34

I used to dread getting older, thinking it meant getting farther from my dreams or running out of time. But now, I see things differently. Getting older means growth, healing, and clarity.

At 34, I’ve learned:

• Rest is productive. Hindi mo kailangang mapagod lagi para masabing nag-e-effort ka.

• You don’t owe anyone an extravagant celebration. Your birthday is about you — do what brings you peace.

• Family time is precious. Minsan, ‘yung simpleng salo-salo pa ang pinaka-memorable.

• Gratitude grounds you. Kahit gaano ka-challenging ang buhay, there’s always something to be thankful for.

Quiet Joy Is Still Joy

This year taught me that quiet moments can be the most joyful. While some people throw big parties or go on vacations, I found joy in simplicity — and it was enough to fill my heart.

Hindi ako nag-post agad sa Facebook or Instagram. I just wanted to be present. And somehow, that made it feel even more special. No pressure to look perfect or to showcase anything — just real moments, real smiles, real love.

Looking Forward

As I step into this new year of life, my wish is simple: to live with more intention, to choose peace over pressure, and to keep showing up even on the hard days.

I may not have everything figured out, and that’s okay. What matters is I’m still here, still trying, still learning.

To everyone who remembered and greeted me — thank you. Your words meant a lot. And to those who didn’t, no worries. I’ve learned to celebrate myself, even without applause.

Final Thoughts

My 34th birthday might not be as glamorous as the others, but it was real. It was honest. It was healing.

And maybe that’s exactly what I needed.

Thank you, Lord, for 34 years of life — full of lessons, laughter, tears, and growth. I don’t know what the next chapters hold, but I trust in You.

Here’s to more peaceful birthdays, more genuine connections, and a life that may be simple but deeply fulfilling.

Until next story,
Dee Mayang 💛