I wanted to share five things I believe every teenager must do on their birthday. This is to ensure you have a day where you are focusing on yourself and you can relax and enjoy the day!

Disclaimer: Of course, you don’t need to follow this list if you don’t want to. Also, most/all of these things I mention you can do every day as you are your own top priority every day of the year!

Focus on yourself.

The first thing I want you to do is to bring all your focus and attention to yourself. This is vital as throughout the year, especially in busy times such as exam time, it can be very easy to not take care of yourself fully. This is your special day so do things that will make you happy and feel good long-term.

Work on a side project/have some me-time.

On your special day, it feels great to know you have made some progress on something for yourself. So, go ahead and do something solely for yourself, and it doesn’t need to take five hours long! For me, writing this article in the morning makes me feel like I am doing something for myself on my birthday and it is a great way to track my memories!

Spend time feeling loved and being with your loved ones.

For the past two-three days specifically, Alhamdulillah, I have been feeling even more love and support all around me. If you are a person who is not used to receiving love on regular days, no worries! Receive the love that Allah is giving you via His blessings and everyone else around you. Even if you feel alone, go ahead and love yourself – that is key!

Journal.

I love journaling, and I would recommend you to do it too. This is to perhaps reflect on the past year, make some new goals for the next year or even bring clarity for things in your life.

Open gifts.

Of course, for me, I absolutely love opening gifts from my family and friends. If you haven’t received any gifts, consider making gifts or sending messages to others to tell them that you appreciate them so you can spread happiness all around on your birthday. Also, gift something to yourself, however small it is, if you want!

Those were the five things that I believe every teenager should do on their birthday. I hope this has helped to make your special day a little more memorable. I did/do and will be doing all of these things today so I feel very excited to go and enjoy the rest of my day!

Thank you for reading, and have a lovely day!

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It is okay to feel happy, grateful, overwhelmed, confused or whatever other emotion that you feel. Instead of running away from your emotions, let yourself pat your stomach, feel that emotion and hear it.

Love that part of you that is feeling a certain way. Hear it. And then let go of that emotion and let yourself light your life for this special day.

If there is one thing I had to say to all teenagers is that teenagehood may be a rocky road but this road is leading to the right path for you. God has planned it all for you so don’t be too anxious or worried because Allah loves us all and wants to see us happy.

Promise yourself that you will be there for yourself all the time, no matter the circumstances. Promise yourself that you will not abandon yourself and you will be your own best friend.

Today, on the 19th July 2021, I have turned 16, and I believe that I have come a long way and I am so proud of myself. And I promise that I will always be there for myself and I am here to love my life.

Take control and be there for yourself.

With love, 

Surobi