Today marks another year of my life, which is typically full of joy, celebration, and the presence of people closest to me. Nonetheless, as I move through the day with a feast of treats and festivities, I find myself alone, struggling with thoughts of inadequacy and dissatisfaction. Birthdays are frequently associated with high expectations of the perfect party, perfect attendees, and an ideal experience. However, things don’t always go as planned, and tonight I’m celebrating alone. This reminds me that faults are natural and do not detract from our worth or the significance of the occasion.