Happy Birthday to Me!

Boba, pastries, and the art of farginning for yourself

Hello, Gorgeous!

Today’s my birthday.

I keep thinking about what to treat myself to, and frankly? I don’t feel like I need anything right now.

And no, this isn’t a #blessed humblebrag. I mean, I need a winter coat. That doesn’t feel like a treat, though. I just feel fortunate to have finally learned to appreciate what I have—without letting what’s still missing ruin my ability to enjoy the moment. I’ve also learned to treat myself and to treat myself well, without waiting for someone else to do it. Incidentally, the treats don’t have to involve many karats and high price tags. Today it’s about indulging in nostalgia and even a little treats in the form of a Milk Chocolate Ring Pop (because everyone knows there are no calories on your birthday and you really don’t have to wait for someone to put a ring on it).

There’s a Yiddish word I love: fargin. It means to wholeheartedly celebrate someone else’s joy or success, without envy, without diminishment. Just pure happiness for them. (It beca…