Hi everyone! This week has been phenomenal, and my heart is full of gratitude. On Monday, I celebrated my birthday. Yes, I'm officially 28, guys! I wanted to stop for a moment and tell you all about the celebrations because this year went so differently.

I used to love my birthday and make it memorable. There were times when I traveled, or threw a party, or went clubbing. But, sadly, when I celebrated 27 years, I was sick last year, and my mood was at its lowest point. My illness has changed me a lot. I thought this birthday was the perfect occasion to celebrate my complete recovery. My mind started thinking that everything had to be perfect, my outfits had to be memorable, I had to pick the travel of my life. Unconsciously, I felt so much pressure for this day that I started panicking.

It's odd to talk about, but maybe this post can help someone struggling with the same thing.

Since I got ill, I have struggled to celebrate important days, for example, my birthday. I have this insane fear that something can go wrong, I'm not well, or the pain comes back. So, my mind starts planning every minute of the day so that I can't think and I have just to enjoy the moment. Potentially it's the perfect plan, but this brings a lot of pressure, panic, and the eternal fear of making a decision. Initially, I wanted to travel but had no clue where. Then, I tried to plan a staycation in a beautiful hotel with a spa, but it was out of budget. Also, I looked for a getaway but couldn't pick a destination. Everything seemed to be meaningless for the special occasion. It was like I wanted something so unique that it didn't exist.

One night my nerves broke, and I started crying because I hated my birthday even if I didn't want to. I wanted to celebrate, but I had a fear of it. I was so excited but scared of that excitement. I was officially in a vicious circle.

So, I did the most challenging thing of my life. I canceled all the plans and forced myself to enjoy the flow of the day. I made one rule: no expectations.

I swear that this switch made my day. Instantly, I was calm and open-minded. Thanks to this rule, I understood that all I wanted was a day full of smiles and love. So, I ordered a cake from my favorite bakery, invited some friends at home, and bought a nice bottle of prosecco. There is another thing I planned the night before, my outfits. I learned that I tend to panic if I have no clue what to wear during these special days. So, I picked out the clothes just the night before.

On Monday, I woke up calm and happy that it was my birthday. In the morning, I had some me-time to boost my confidence. Then, my boyfriend and I went to a museum to see a Disney exhibition and have lunch. I loved the exhibit. We saw the original sketches of our favorite cartoons. Some friends came home to eat the cake and celebrate during the afternoon. Last but not least, my dad gifted me dinner in my favorite restaurant in Milan. So, my boyfriend and I went there to enjoy a wonderful romantic dinner.

I tried to buy something new for the occasion, but I managed to find just a black coat for my outfit. So, I styled three outfits with all the clothes I already have.

When we went to the museum, I wore a hand-made turtleneck that my mum made for me and my Mango jeans. Warm socks and loafers completed the first fit of the day.

I changed the knitwear into a hot pink one my mum made to match the cake for the afternoon.

Finally, I wore a Missguided oversized blazer in lilac with a pair of velvet pants for dinner. I thought I wanted to wear heels, but I finally picked out my pink leather Superga to keep me comfortable. I added some sparkle with a glittered gold pochette. I felt like a modern princess.

It was a magical birthday hand-down. When I let myself enjoy the little moments, emotions, and love, I saw the perfection of that day.

Shop a similar blazer from Misguided (it’s 60% off!)

Shop my denim from Mango