Choosing Presence

A Pre-Birthday Celebration with Soul Friends

As my birthday approaches, I reflected on how I wanted to step into a new year of my life.

This year, I chose presence over pressure, depth over display and meaning over momentum.

Instead of a large gathering, I celebrated my pre-birthday with a small circle of chosen friends - my soul friends - at a relaxed, Irish-inspired Pub Restaurant. The setting felt grounded and familiar, the kind of place where conversation flows easily and time slows down.

Celebrating Simply 

We shared good food, clinking glasses, laughter and unhurried moments around the table. There was no agenda and no expectations to impress or entertain - just genuine connection. The cozy pub atmosphere created space for ease, warmth and honest conversation with people who know you beyond surface-level updates. That simplicity felt deeply nourishing.

As someone who writes and coaches from lived experience, I’ve learned that the way we choose to celebrate is often a mirror of our inner world. This day reflected a quieter, more grounded season of my life. A season where I value authenticity, nervous system safety and genuine connection far more than spectacle. It felt deeply aligned with where I am in life right now.

A Small Circle, Deep Connection

What made the celebration especially meaningful was having my best friend and his wife there. They traveled all the way from Thailand to visit me and their presence felt like a reminder of the power of intentional relationships. 

When people cross continents to show up in your life, it reminds you that real connection is built on intention, consistency and care. Distance didn’t weaken our bond - it strengthened the appreciation for the years, memories and growth we’ve shared and their presence carried a weight that words don’t quite capture.

Surrounded by this small, trusted circle, I felt regulated, safe and seen - held in a way that didn’t require effort or explanation. The conversations flowed naturally between laughter, reflection, past memories and hopes for the year ahead. This was connection that nourished rather than drained.

It didn’t feel small. It felt sufficient.

Reflections from a Life Coach

So often, we plan celebrations the same way we plan our lives - by default, not by design.

In my work as a life coach, I often speak about intentional living - choosing alignment over autopilot. This pre-birthday celebration was a lived expression of that philosophy. It wasn’t about doing more; it was about choosing better, choosing what truly supports my nervous system, my growth and my truth. 

This joyous day became a ritual of gratitude:

• Gratitude for friendships rooted in authenticity

• Gratitude for people who show up, even across continents

• Gratitude for another year of learning, clarity and becoming

Entering a New Year with Intention

As I step into a new year, I’m carrying this experience with me as an anchor. A reminder that meaningful milestones don’t need to be loud to be powerful.

Sometimes, the most beautiful celebrations happen quietly - over good food, heartfelt conversation and the comfort of being fully yourself in the presence of people who feel like home.

A Reflection for You

As you approach your next milestone - whether a birthday, a transition or a new season - 
What would it look like to celebrate in a way that truly honours your nervous system, your season of life and the people who feel like home?

With you on the journey,
– Storm Reagan
Life Coach | Lived Experience Guide