Age Is a Case of Mind Over Matter: My Birthday Edition

??? Ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time of the year again. The Earth has completed another lap around the sun, and I am once again the star of this cosmic marathon. It’s my birthday! ???? And what better way to celebrate than to reflect on one of Mark Twain’s finest gems of wisdom: “Age is a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

As the candles on my cake dangerously approach the fire hazard zone, I’ve decided to embrace Twain’s philosophy wholeheartedly. Because, let’s face it, what’s the alternative? Crying over a number? Nah, I’d rather save my tears for cutting onions. ????

The Cake Chronicles

First, let’s talk cake — that sweet, spongy symbol of celebration. My cake this year is like me: layered, full of surprises, and occasionally leaning slightly to one side. (The bakery said it’s “intentional rustic charm,” but I have my doubts. ????- ok, it was the hard work of my amazing wife hand crafting a beautiful and tasty cake for me, so, no leaning to the side) The candles ???, of course, are many — so many that I briefly considered installing a sprinkler system before the family were lighting them.

But as Twain suggests, it’s all about perspective. Are those candles a reminder of age, or are they tiny flames of fabulousness? I’m going with the latter. (Feel free to borrow that mindset when your time comes, my friends.) ????

The Birthday Philosophy

Birthdays, I’ve realized, are a lot like free trial subscriptions. At first, you’re thrilled about the perks of being a year older. Free wisdom upgrade? Yes, please! Discounts at restaurants? Sign me up! But then you hit a certain point where you’re like, “Wait a minute… I didn’t agree to this graying hair and random joint aches.” ????

That’s where Twain’s advice kicks in. If you don’t mind these so-called “signs of aging,” they don’t matter. Gray hair? ?? Call it wisdom highlights. Wrinkles? That’s just your face laughing at all the bad jokes you’ve heard. ????

The Real Gift

Every birthday is a gentle nudge from the universe saying, “Hey, you’re still here! Congrats on not being a statistic!” And honestly, that’s a pretty big deal. I mean, sure, gifts are nice (and cash is nicer ??), but the real present is another year of making memories, dodging responsibilities, and Googling things I should already know just forgot due to my age. ?????

Final Thoughts

So, here’s to another year of mind over matter. Another year of laughing at life’s absurdities, celebrating the little victories, and pretending I’ve got it all figured out. To quote another great philosopher (after Chili Davis): “Aging is mandatory, but adulting is optional.” ??

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some cake to eat, some wishes to make, and a fire extinguisher to find. ????? Cheers to surviving and thriving for another year!