For me, birthdays are a time of self-reflection. In the past I would feel sorry for myself or remember the pain from not having my special day acknowledged when I was a child (often having to share my birthday cake with a sister who's 3 years and 10 days younger). As I got older, I decided that I'm responsible for my own happiness. If I want a special day, then I have to make it special instead of waiting for somebody else to do it. As my birthday approaches each year, I usually ask myself what will make me happy on my special day.

Two years ago, I threw myself a very small potluck birthday party. The food was great, the conversation interesting and everybody had a great time. This year something inside of me said that I should spend my day in Sedona. So I arranged to spend several days in Sedona. I just jumped into my car, headed north and allowed myself to do whatever I felt like doing. I was open to the wonderful possibilities that each day brings. I wonder what I'll do next year?

The way I celebrate my birthday is exactly the same way I live my life. I know that I'm responsible for my own life, my own happiness and my own inner well-being. It all starts from within. I ask myself what I want and need. I listen to the response that comes from deep within my heart instead of the simple answer that comes off the top of my head. I make plans to accomplish my goal and then I take positive action to achieve it.

All along the way, I'm aware of what I have to be grateful for and I'm open to receiving all the wonderful blessings that the universe wants to bestow on me. Challenges I run into on my journey are just new opportunities to learn more about myself and my desires so that I can make more knowledgeable choices the next time.

As I read in an ad in Fast Company more than a decade ago, "I'm the C.E.O of my life." By being in charge of my life, I realize how powerful I truly am and I can take pride in all that I accomplish. Besides, this way I get exactly what I want out of life, much like being able to choose the flavor, size and filling for my birthday cake. It's all good.