August is my birthday month, and I’ve always embraced it. I’ve never needed anyone else to make me feel special. I’ve taken that responsibility into my own hands.
One summer when I was in college, I stayed on campus while working in New York. Most of my friends had gone home. When my birthday rolled around, I didn’t have anyone close by to celebrate with. Instead of feeling sad or lonely, I went out and bought a big ol’ ice cream cake just for me. It was my way of choosing to celebrate myself because I believed I was worth it.
That mindset is what inspired this month’s Note to Self that Sunshine and Self-Care subscribers received: I celebrate myself. Out loud. On purpose
You Don’t Need a Reason to Celebrate
While my attitude about my birthday did inspire this month’s Note to Self and this blog, the point isn’t just about celebrating your birthday—though I do feel strongly about birthdays. It’s about something bigger.
It might seem more socially acceptable to wait for milestones. To celebrate after something big. A promotion. A birthday. A weight loss goal. But what if you didn’t wait?
What if celebrating yourself wasn’t tied to an outcome? What if it was tied to who you are right now?
You can honor the way you keep going, even when things are hard. You can celebrate the parts of you that don’t show up on a résumé or a highlight reel. You don’t need a reason. You just need to decide that you are already worthy.
Loving Yourself Out Loud Is a Practice
This month’s Note to Self focuses on the idea of loving yourself out loud. It’s easy to think that loving yourself should be quiet. Modest. Private. But sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is let the love you have for yourself be visible.
To say, “I’m proud of me.”
To treat yourself with kindness and joy.
To take up space and not shrink back.
To show up for yourself like I would for a friend.
To be unapologetically you.
These are not extravagant declarations. They are simple, real acts of self-respect. They are daily choices that affirm your worth.
Small Celebrations Count Too
Celebrating yourself doesn’t require balloons or a party. It can look like:
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Smiling at your reflection on purpose
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Saying no without guilt
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Taking yourself out just because
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Making yourself a fancy meal because you are special
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Doing something that that makes you happy, even if no one else sees it
The goal is not to impress anyone. The goal is to honor yourself because you’re worth the effort.
Let This Be the Moment You Choose You
You don’t have to wait for someone else to tell you you’re amazing. You don’t need applause. You don’t even need cake, although that’s always a good idea.
What you need is a reminder:
You are worth celebrating. Just as you are.
Say it out loud.
Say it like you mean it.
And then go live like it’s true.
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Stacey Montgomery
Founder, Stacey M Design Inc.
©Stacey Montgomery, 2025. All rights reserved.
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