Finding Peace on My Birthday

Some seasons don’t drain you all at once; they wear you down slowly. You keep going, doing what needs to be done, until your body forces you to pause. That’s exactly where I found myself a few weeks ago.

It started with an ache in my arms that I brushed off as fatigue. But within days, even holding a cup of tea became painful. After a few checkups, the diagnose was clear: tennis elbow that too in the both hands.

And as if that wasn’t enough, summer vacation had already taken over the house … kids at home, no routine, no break, and zero quiet moments. I was tired in more ways than one, and the mental weight was quietly piling up.

Just when I thought I’d take it easy and rest, my husband slipped and fractured his hand. Yes, we were officially a team, one with a bunch of ice packs and painkillers on the table.

Let’s just say June and July tested us.

Both my hands flared up with tennis elbow. My husband ended up with a fractured arm. Summer vacation was in full swing, the house buzzing nonstop – and somewhere in the middle of all that chaos, my birthday showed up.

July 11.

Celebration?

Not on my mind.

I wasn’t in the mood for anything. No cooking, no guests, just a quiet dinner at home. I told the kids we’re skipping the usual this year.

But kids, they don’t see life the same way we do.

That night, my daughter got to work quietly. When I walked into the room, it felt like Pinterest had landed in my living room. Soft lights, candles, a bouquet-shaped cake, a calendar printout pinned like art, and the kind of thoughtful touches only a child could dream up. That look in her eyes said everything – “You matter.”

And honestly, that would’ve been enough.

But then came the gentle push ….“Let’s go out,” they said.

“You’ll feel better,” they said.

And so, even with one hand in a sling and two hands that barely worked, we stepped out. Dressed up a little, smiled a little more, and had dinner at a cozy restaurant nearby. It wasn’t about the food. It was about getting out of the cloud we were stuck under. About breathing in something new. And laughing.

Still healing, still figuring it out , but getting better each day, one small step at a time.

Writing this as my 151st blog post reminds me how important it is to keep showing up, sharing honestly, and finding strength in the everyday moments. Healing isn’t a straight line, but every step forward counts.

What This Really Reminded Me Of: Mental Health Matters

It’s so easy to put on a brave face and push through pain, especially as adults. We handle the physical discomfort, take care of others, and keep going like nothing’s wrong. But the truth is, when life feels overwhelming, it doesn’t just stay in the body. It creeps into the mind.

This month taught me how closely our body and mind are connected. When I was in pain, it was easy to feel frustrated. But even small moments of happiness lifted my mood and kept me going.

But here’s the part I don’t want to forget: We don’t always need big solutions. Sometimes, healing begins with small things, a child’s drawing, a meal out, or just allowing ourselves to enjoy something even when life isn’t perfect.

Mental health isn’t just about therapy sessions or deep conversations (though those help, too). It’s also about giving ourselves permission to rest, to say, “This is hard,” and to still find little moments that make us smile.

That moment, simple and full of love, is what I’m choosing to carry forward.

It reminded me that even in tough times, there’s a quiet strength waiting to lift us up.

So if you’re in a rough patch right now, I see you. Be gentle with yourself and welcome the little moments of calm. Whether it’s watching a movie with family or stealing a quiet breath in the middle of a chaotic day. Sometimes, that’s exactly what helps us heal and keep going.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.