I will never forget my 21st birthday. I'm sure most of you feel the same way.
When the clock struck midnight, signaling the start of festivities and my official transition into legal adulthood, I took my first shot and was off to the races.
The friends I had that were already 21 accompanied me to our seedy college bar. They had way too much fun giving me different types of drinks to try, but it was fine, because I had more fun than all of them. We danced the night away, and I probably lost five pounds because I sweat just that much.
This year, I turned 29. You might think that I spent the birthday a little differently. After all, I now have eight years of adulthood under my belt.
Yet other than the fact that I did not start partying promptly at midnight, I can't say that much had changed.
I still went out with my friends, only I traded in a seedy college bar for a seedy private karaoke room. I still danced, only this time it was to a soundtrack of my choosing that was sung, not merely heard. And I still sweat off five pounds. Period.
The point is that I celebrated turning 29 the same way I celebrated turning 21, and I plan to keep that tradition going as long as I can. You should celebrate EVERY birthday like your 21st birthday. Here's why.
1. Because 21 is the end of one era and the beginning of another.
Your 21st birthday is your first night of legal drinking. Once you hit that stage, there is literally NO establishment that is off limits to you. The world is yours for the taking, and that's amazing. It's the start of a new era.
Of course, it's also the de facto end of your childhood, and with that reality comes some bittersweet feelings.
In that sense, every birthday you have after 21 feels the same way. It's the end of one era, and the beginning of the next. With that in mind, there's only one way to ring in every single birthday, and that's by taking a sip of the SoBe Elixir Midnight Mojito in your hand before dancing your ass off. That blackberry and mint flavor will fuel you through the night.
2. Because it's still the one day a year that's all about you.
You feel like the freaking belle of the ball on your 21st birthday. All eyes are on you as you make the transition to being an official partier. You feel like you are invincible.
But think about it — your birthday is STILL like that now. It's STILL the one day of the year that's all about YOU.
Why not take full advantage? Flirt with the bartender who's serving you a spicy, jalepeno-lime flavored cocktail with a devilish smile. The drink is named SoBe Elixir En Fuego, and that's exactly what you are on your birthday: on fire.
3. Because every year is a milestone.
We can't believe that 21 is our last great birthday. If we do, how sad is that?
Every single year we live is a milestone. It brings new challenges to overcome, and new reasons to get the party started. You have so much life left to live after you turn 21. The journey (and the celebration) is just beginning.
4. Because you can do drinking RIGHT this time.
When you turned 21, more than likely you were a poor college student who barely had enough money to buy well drinks, let alone top-shelf.
But now that you're part of the working world, you have something amazing in your pocket to help you celebrate the right way: disposable income, baby. You can buy the stuff on the top shelf and still afford dinner. It's amazing.
And it doesn't just stop at the liquor. With a few more years under your belt, you're partying with better friends, wearing better clothes and celebrating at better venues. Your 21-year-old self is the one who should be jealous.
5. Because #YOLO, amiright?
You only live once. What better time to remember that than on your birthday?
Eat all of the cupcakes your roommates make for you. When the bartender flirts with you, smile and flirt back by asking him to mix you a special cocktail for your special night. Dance like everyone is watching. Party like there's no tomorrow.
That philosophy isn't reserved for 21-year-olds. It's something we should all be living by no matter what age we are.
Every birthday deserves a unique celebration as exciting as your 21st. SoBe is celebrating their 21st birthday with two new flavors, the SoBe Elixir Midnight Mojito and the SoBe Elixir En Fuego, and a huge bash in Las Vegas. Enter the sweepstakes here for your chance to win a luxury vacation to Vegas to party with SoBe in style. #SoBeNotSorry
