From 38 to 39: A Year Older, a Year Wiser

It’s hard to believe another year has flown by, but here I am, gearing up for my birthday weekend. My birthday meal is set for tomorrow, and I’m really looking forward to it. It’s nothing extravagant, just a cosy gathering at my local pub with my mom, dad, and siblings, but that’s exactly how I wanted it—comfortable, familiar, and without any fuss.
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I’ve never been one for big, over-the-top celebrations. A quiet meal with the people I care about feels much more meaningful. Plus, the pub holds a certain charm for me; it’s relaxed, the food is great, and it’s somewhere I know I’ll feel completely at ease. Birthdays like this suit me perfectly—low-key but filled with good company and conversation.

My actual birthday falls on Tuesday, the 28th of January, and I’ll be turning 39. With it being midweek, I doubt there’ll be much happening. But honestly, that doesn’t bother me. I think there’s a certain point in life where birthdays stop being about the day itself and become more about who you spend time with around it. Tomorrow will be special because I’ll get to share it with my family, and that’s what really counts.

That said, there’s something strange about saying I’ll be 40 next year. It’s not a milestone I’m dreading or anything, but it does feel a bit surreal. I don’t feel old enough to be 40, if that makes sense. Age is such a peculiar thing—it’s more about how you feel than the actual number, and for the most part, I feel the same as I did years ago. Maybe a little wiser, but certainly not “nearly 40.”

Reflecting on birthdays as I’ve grown older, I’ve noticed that they’ve taken on a different meaning. When you’re younger, they’re exciting events filled with presents, parties, and cake. As you get older, they become more reflective. You start to think less about the number and more about the people you’re celebrating with or the little traditions you’ve built around the day.

For now, I’m just focused on enjoying tomorrow—spending time with my family, making some memories, and enjoying the moment. Life moves so quickly, and it’s these small, meaningful gatherings that remind me to slow down and appreciate what’s truly important.