Breathe Magazine

This issue marks ten years of Breathe. A full decade of stories, conversations, ideas and shared moments. As birthdays often do, it’s prompted reflection on what’s changed, what hasn’t and possible paths ahead. Birthdays are usually seen as something to celebrate, but they can be emotive too. As another year rolls around and the big day looms, inevitable questions arise. Are you where you wanted to be, or do you feel behind on life’s plans? What does it say about you if you do nothing to commemorate it? Even if you’d genuinely prefer a quiet cup or glass of something warming and a slice of cake over a night out with a table full of friends, not being made a fuss of can still sting. And if you do get spoilt, do you feel like you deserve it?
If any of that sounds familiar, it can help to remember that moments don’t need to be elaborate to be meaningful. A quiet lunch with family, a walk followed by coffee or a relaxed evening snuggled on the sofa can offer just as much nourishment as a large celebration. And besides, what makes for a happy birthday will look different for everyone. There’s no need to force yourself into a particular kind of joy. For you, a birthday gathering might be a chance to bring the various parts of your life together, to recognise all the roles you play and express who you are. Or it may be none of those things. At their simplest, birthdays offer a reason to come together. An excuse to put life on hold for a short time and be present with people who matter.
In many ways, that’s what an anniversary celebrates too. Ten years isn’t just a milestone; it’s a collection of connections – with readers, contributors, colleagues.