Sometimes the best birthday gift is good company and conversation. Invite a few friends for a gathering in your assisted living apartment or one of the community's common areas. You can pull out board games, play cards, watch classic TV shows or do a jigsaw puzzle. If you prefer, keep it simple and share a cup of tea and heartfelt conversation. Pick up a treat such as cupcakes or cookies at one of the Kearney bakeries to round out your celebration.
If your loved ones can't get together with you in person, suggest an online gathering to bridge the distance. Video technology such as Zoom and FaceTime enables the whole family to get together, no matter where they are. You can invite siblings, cousins, children and grandchildren to all meet online. You'll be able to see each other face-to-face, and you can peek into each other's lives and feel like you're in the same room. People can show off the views from their windows, new furry friends and the art your grandchildren have made. Invite everyone to bring a favorite beverage to the video call so you can lift a glass together and share a toast to honor your birthday.
Carve out some time for lighthearted entertainment on your special day. Whether you enjoy comedies, romances or uplifting dramas, a feel-good movie or TV series is a pleasurable way to spend an afternoon. If you prefer to read, settle in with a good page-turner. You can also put on a favorite album and let the melodies fill your room — be sure to dance or sing along if you're inspired to.
For a rejuvenating experience, head outdoors and immerse yourself in nature. Kearney has many beautiful natural spaces to explore. You can walk through the themed gardens at Yanney Heritage Park, take in the lake views at Cottonmill Park or birdwatch at the Fort Kearney State Recreation Area. Bring a picnic, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy a tranquil retreat. Being in nature helps you feel calm, refreshed and present on your birthday.
Make your birthday memorable and do something you don't often take the time for. If you love flowers, order an arrangement from a local florist and enjoy colorful blooms in your assisted living apartment for days to come. For a relaxing activity, indulge in a manicure, massage or spa treatment to feel pampered.
Your birthday is also the ideal occasion for an outing. Visit the Archway or the Museum of Nebraska Art, savor a meal at your favorite Kearney restaurant or spend an evening at a concert or play. Whatever you choose, give yourself a break from your usual routine and do something that brings a smile to your face.
Your birthday is a good reminder to try new things, no matter how old you are. This year, expand your comfort zone and tackle something you've always thought about doing. There's no reason to put it off. Learn a new language or sign up for a philosophy class. Pick up a sketchbook and let your creativity flow. You can practice photography, try origami, work on your golf skills or find out how to plant an indoor herb garden. You'll feel energized and fulfilled when you master new skills and expand your horizons.
Turn your birthday into a celebration of kindness and give back to others. There are a few ways to do this, such as volunteering in the community or making a financial donation to a charity that you care about.
Even simple gestures make a positive impact and can brighten someone's day. Bring a box of chocolates to one of the common areas at Cambridge Court and share a sweet treat. Give a compliment to every person you see on your birthday. If you feel creative, make handmade cards with personal notes and give them to neighbors. By giving rather than receiving, your birthday becomes a day of joy for those around you, too.
While you can practice gratitude year-round, your birthday is the perfect time to reflect on your blessings. Be thankful for the people who have touched your life and treasure the experiences that fill your days. Take the opportunity to reach out to the people who mean the most to you with a phone call or letter, or give them a hug and words of appreciation if you see them in person. Practicing gratitude turns the attention away from material items and inspires feelings of peace and contentment, which may be the best gifts of all.
