1. My family spoils me, makes me feel loved and cherished. Who wouldn't want to feel cherished? It's not hard to do this. It doesn't cost anything. And it is so appreciated! They treat me like a queen on my special day, don't let me do any housework or errands. They give me cards telling me how much they love me. My son even spent his lunch at school on the computer making me an extra card with a poem about me. How sweet is that?!

2. They give me gifts that aren't generic, but that show they know something about who I am and what matters to me. Sometimes those gifts support my dreams, sometimes they just warm my cold toes, either way, they make me feel seen, nurtured, and loved.

3. Another tradition we have is that the birthday boy/girl gets to choose dinner (either at home or at a restaurant). Isn't there something deeply nurturing about being nourished by your favorite foods with your favorite people? Last night, we went to my favorite sushi restaurant. I don't know if it's a Bay Area thing, or if it's common everywhere now, but my kids love sushi. So everyone was happy.

4. Every year for my birthday my husband makes chocolate lava cakes, little individual molten cups of heaven. It looks like a mini cake. But as soon as you set your spoon in, it erupts. The warm gooey rich chocolate melts my whole being. There is literally nothing in the world I would rather eat than chocolate lava. If there is such a thing as heaven on earth, that's it. 

5. And maybe most importantly, although a birthday happens only once a year, we try to see each other's light on the other 364 days as well. Sure some days are hectic and some days there's yelling and rushing and chaos, but beneath it all there is always love. And for that I am truly grateful.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend and a Happy Valentine's Day and a life filled with love (and chocolate) <3