It’s my birthday today… and I celebrate myself
By Eli Mercer on
Today is my birthday. I don’t usually make a big deal about it, but this year I felt like sharing something here. Being autistic has always made birthdays a little complicated for me. When I was younger, the noise, the attention, the crowded rooms, all of it felt overwhelming. Sometimes I wished the day would pass quietly so I could just go back to my normal routine...
But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to see birthdays differently. Instead of focusing on big parties or expectations, I try to focus on something simple. Being here. Making it through another year. Learning more about myself.
This past year hasn’t been perfect. I’ve had days where I felt misunderstood, days where social things felt impossible, and days where my brain felt too loud. But I also had moments of growth. Moments where I spoke up for myself. Moments where I felt accepted exactly as I am.
So today I’m celebrating in my own way. I plan to enjoy something quiet, perhaps go for a walk, indulge in my favorite food, or simply take some time to reflect.