Happy Birthday Laura! But I was thinking, the day you were born is the birth of your flesh, the day you came into this world, but it happened every single year for hundreds or thousands of lifetimes, and frankly, and is really not much of an accomplishment if you ask me! But what about the day you were REALLY born? I'd think that day would give a much greater reason to celebrate! I mean we're obviously all glad you were born, but without the birth of your consciousness and the work this led to, the birth of your flesh is no more significant than a birth of a flower. So I think it's your 2nd birth that we should REALLY celebrate because that one does not happen every lifetime. Probably once it happens, it's done, and you're changed forever. You didn't by any chance mark that one down on the calendar? :P
In fact, our birth of our flesh is more like a "death" than a birth I think. We arrive kicking and screaming and crying and it's silly celebrating your arrival to a pretty harsh school, which is literally, hell. Hmm that gives "trial by fire" a whole new esoteric meaning... Anyway, I think it makes more sense to celebrate your graduation, and before that to celebrate your progress and accomplishments, both for yourself and what you did to help others grow as well. So happy BIRTH day, and I truly hope we can be celebrating more such BIRTH dates on this forum for many members who have, are, or will develop their conscious "I". I'll drink to that!