I still remember the days when I celebrated my birthdays with photoshoots, obviously capturing the passing of time through snapshots. I'd compare the previous year's photos with the latest ones, but that's where the excitement would end. I'm not defying age, but yet there's not much of change to write home about. The photos would jsut sit there ontop my wardrobe collecting dust, and I'd be left wondering what that was all about. It was then that I began to question the significance of birthdays and the way we celebrate them. What's the point of all the fanfare, the cake, the candles, and the obligatory spendings people engage in?
As I reflected on my life, I realized that birthdays are not just about another year gone by, but about the impact we've made on the world around us. It's about adding value to the lives of others, leaving a positive footprint, and making a difference. This realization sparked a desire in me to use my birthday as an opportunity to give back.
For nearly five years now, every August 16th, I visit the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital's Haematology Lab to donate blood. It's become my birthday ritual, one that brings me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. But what's interesting is that, despite my initial intention to avoid any form of celebration, I've unintentionally created a new tradition – one that's centered around giving rather than receiving.
The experience has been enlightening, to say the least. I recall my first blood donation like it was yesterday (though I'll save that story for another time). And, over the years, I've noticed that the lab also has a ritual of giving complimentary gifts, a can of malt drink, a bottle of water, a sachet of biscuits, and a tin of milk which often brings a smile to the faces of donors. However, I must admit that I've always felt a twinge of guilt whenever I receive these gifts.
One particular recent encounter stands out in my mind. During one of my visits to the lab, a young man came in to donate blood. After the initial procedure, we were told that the complimentary gifts had run out and wouldn't be available that day. The young man excused himself, saying he needed to use the toilet outside, but never returned. The phlebotomy technician later revealed that this was not an uncommon occurrence, noting that many people, it seems, are motivated to donate blood largely because of the complentary gifts they receive.
This encounter left a lasting impression on me. I realized that, for some, the act of giving is closely tied to what they receive in return. But I believe that true celebration lies not in grand gestures or material rewards, but in the positive impact we have on others. Well let me not be too quick to judge, knowing fully the situation in the country.
As I continue on this journey of meaningful giving, I'm heartened to see that my actions have inspired others. Two close friends, in fact, have begun celebrating their birthdays by donating blood, a testament to the ripple effect of kindness and generosity.
I've also made it a point to share this experience with the younger generation. I often take my kid, nephew, or brother along with me to the lab, and they've become enthusiastic participants in this new tradition. They've learned that birthdays can be about giving, not just receiving. Even though they often end up as beneficiaries of my complementary items.
And as for New Year's celebrations, I'm still looking for new ways to rethink the way we welcome the new year. I'm not sure what that'll be like yet, but I'm excited to explore new possibilities. Perhaps it could be volunteering at a tree planting campaign, or hosting a communityled event that brings people together, the likes of community based initiatives to promote sanitation and hygiene, waste management and street cleaning, or even create awareness about the value and importance of the last Saturday of month - Sanitation Day in Kano State. Whatever it is, I'm eager to discover a more meaningful way to celebrate the start of a new year.
What are your thoughts on Birthdays and New Year's celebrations? Kindly share your stories and experiences in the comments section. Cant wait to learn more from you. Cheers!
🖋️ Mal. Sharfaddeen K ilah
Initial draft: January, 2025
Published: Friday 28th February 2025
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