Growing up, my family didn't celebrate birthdays. There weren't any cakes or gifts. I never got any parties, or even family visits. I missed every age based milestone that I was taught to expect from television. When I turned 16, I didn't get to drive. When I turned 18, I was kicked out of my home. When I turned 21, I didn't drink. I've always lived my life in the same way. I didn't look forward to the years to come, and I don't miss the years that have passed. My age means very little to me, it really is just a number. I understand the holiday is important to people, and it can bring in a much needed morale boost. But to me, it's just another day. I don't want to count the years and think about what I've lost or what I've yet to gain. Instead, I keep living day-to-day, doing what I can to form a life I love.

P.S. You can't have a bad birthday if you don't have a birthday.