23 Things I’m Grateful for on my 23rd Birthday

It’s that time of the year again – birthday time. I’m someone who really doesn’t like my birthday because it always gives me anxiety about getting older. Yes, I am Joey from Friends. It’s something I always keep far away from my mind and others’ mind (or attempt to). It always comes around with its high expectations and need to celebrate. I always prefer to keep it lowkey and not really acknowledge it (as abnormal as that sounds) but this year I want to do something in celebration of it. Here are 23 things I’m grateful for on my 23rd birthday.

1. My wonderful slightly annoying family who create events like “Protesting Shifa’s Birthday” on Facebook but I know they love me.
2. Parents who always give me more than I need whether it’s encouragement, funds, support, or just talking to me (ok but lowkey sometimes I do need it).
3. My puppy Oreo for just being a lil’ cutie.
4. My brother who asks 1000 questions everyday and I always get annoyed. But, secretly I love that he wants my opinion before taking any steps. He even asks me for clothing decisions which I LOVE!
5. My friends who are literally spread everywhere across the world at the moment but always respond to my “Shifa’s updates” snapchats. They’re my greatest cheerleaders.
6. My person/human diary/BFfl <3
7. The ability to live in a wonderful country (despite the strained political environment).
8. My health (although I really need to drink more water and eat more greens but overall I’m alive).
9. Aashvi Jasani’s Netflix account (thnx) so I can watch Friends every morning while I get ready for work. (Also grateful for you Aashvi Jasani).
10. Access to medicine and healthcare (Prescription medicine prices are insane but grateful to be able to afford health insurance).
11. Traveling for fun and for work (it gets exhausting but I wouldn’t change it for anything – also grateful for skymiles).
12. The Jonas Brothers getting back together and in general (also their wives and kids).
13. This blog and being able to have somewhere to share my creative outlet.
14. All of you readers who read my posts and message me about it! (I love sharing aspects of my life with you all).
15. My apartment which has its own little charm and has slowly become home.
16. My college experience and the ability to receive a higher education.
17. Productive days that make me feel like I have a purpose.
18. Living in such a diverse place. I love being around people from different backgrounds and seeing minorities pave the way for others (aka Hasan Minhaj, Mindy Kaling, Lilly Singh I see you).
19. Having warm clothes – especially with this upcoming winter in NY (I am not prepared).
20. Feeling safe and secure every day when I wake up in the morning.
21. The ability to go to my place of prayer and to have one nearby.
22. Conversations with my favorite people that result in endless laughter and smiles.
23. Really bad, terrible days that always make me feel more thankful for the good days – ones filled with tiny little things that make me smile.

 

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Thanks for reading and I hope this inspires you to create your own list of things you’re grateful for.