When you got a little older, you couldn’t wait to turn 16.
Remember when you were a kid and you couldn’t wait for your next birthday?
You proudly told everyone you were “7 and 3/4s” or “8 and 1/2.” Then you counted the days until you turned 8 or 9. When you got a little older, you couldn’t wait to turn 16.
Then the “magic age” was 21—and you were so excited to tell everyone you were finally 21!
This joy in your birthday doesn’t have to go away, simply because you’re not a kid anymore. You can get excited about every birthday you get to enjoy from now on.
This year, we challenge you to proudly welcome your birthday. Be thrilled about it. Allow yourself to look forward to your next age.
It’s also a great opportunity to celebrate. Here at BOOM!, we know a 72-year-old artist who has a big blowout birthday party every 10 years of her life—starting back when she turned 40, then 50, then 60, then 70. Every “decade party” has a theme. Every party is a celebration of life.
Even if you don’t have a big party, do something NEW for your birthday this year. Celebrate your latest accomplishment—living another year. Proudly tell everyone your new age. Dare to be pro-age on your birthday.
Tip #3: Make every year “bucket-list” worthy.
Part of being pro-age is embracing and celebrating every year of your life. That’s easier to do if you’re continually trying new things, learning new skills and finding new adventures.
What’s the easiest way to do all that? Write a new bucket list every year of your life.
Simply write down all the things “you’ve always wanted to do someday,” and then start scheduling those bucket list items for this year. (Hint: We suggest using your birthday to cross one of these items off your bucket list.)
Once you have accomplished everything on your bucket list, write a new list for yourself. And then a new one after that, and a new one after that.
In this way, you can make every year “bucket-list” worthy—and a new best, pro-age year for yourself.
Tell us: Are you already doing all these things? Do you write bucket lists? Proudly celebrate your birthday? See every year as an accomplishment? If so, respond “yes” in the comments below, and tell us why you love being pro-age.