So, guess what? The day before yesterday was my birthday! My 26th one. Yep, I’m officially closer to 30 than 20. Oh, and I must mention that my birthday falls on the most cherished (or controversial, depending on who you ask) Valentine’s Day. Talk about an overhyped combo!

Honestly, it still feels weird. Like, how did I suddenly become 25+? Somehow, turning 25 didn’t hit me as hard on my 24th or 25th birthday, but now? Now, it feels like I’ve been thrown into the serious adulting zone — where responsibilities loom large out of nowhere. Sometimes, it feels like I’ve lived a long life, filled with big moments but also mysterious emptiness. Other times, I think, I’m doing okay. These 26 years have been a basket full of memories.

So, to keep myself from spiraling into an existential crisis, I’ve decided to start a little tradition: writing down good memories. No matter how small or silly, I want to remind myself that life has given me plenty of reasons to be grateful. And on days when my dopamine levels hit rock bottom, hopefully, these little memory boosts will help me out.

Since today I am 26 years and 2 days old, let’s start with two good memories:

1. The Surprise Birthday Bash I Accidentally Threw for Myself

Flashback to childhood, when life was simple, and my biggest stress was finishing homework before playtime. We lived in a lively community where kids ruled the evening playground until the Magrib Azan called us back home.

On one such birthday — my parents gifted me a flower vase and a mug. My uncle added a book to the mix. Mom had no plans for a party, but I went to school and, in my excitement, invited everyone. Every. Single. Friend.

Did I think they’d actually show up? Nope. Did my parents know about my bold invitation strategy? Also nope.

But guess what? They all came, one with a teddy bear and others with storybooks as gifts! My parents were caught completely off guard, and my mom had to pull off an emergency feast. Within no time, she whipped up noodles, payesh, polao, and chicken, undoubtedly a true mom miracle.

The best part is I got 5–6 books as gifts, which was peak happiness for my book-loving little self. Unplanned, unexpected, but totally legendary.

2. Campus Celbration and Mom’s Surprise

Fast forward to my first year of university, my first birthday away from home. I thought, Okay, I’m an independent adult now, I can handle this. But my mom? She had zero plans of letting me feel alone.

She showed up on my campus. why? because my birthday is also the anniversary of her becoming a mom. She gifted me a beautiful red salwar-kamiz, and just seeing her made my day.

Then, things got even better. Turns out, one of my professors shared the same birthday as me, and our department head decided to throw a pitha utshob to celebrate. (Talk about being in the right department XD!) My classmates even brought me a cake. I was ridiculously happy but also too awkward to express it properly. Looking back, that birthday was the perfect mix of warmth, surprise, and delicious pitha.

So, cheers to the memories of which I probably do not have any photo of, they are only in my silly brain.