Today is my birthday
And this year, I’m not celebrating candles or cake — I’m celebrating survival.

Being different shaped my entire life. The quiet stares, the unspoken judgments, the pain hidden behind polite smiles. But every scar, every imperfection, every hard moment built strength I didn’t know I had.

Today, I choose kindness toward myself.

I see a survivor.
A fighter.
A heart that refused to break.

So don’t congratulate me for getting older — congratulate me for choosing myself every day.
For standing back up.
For turning pain into purpose.

And if you’re reading this: your difference is not a flaw.

Your story matters.
Still being here is already a victory worth celebrating