Since it is such a beautiful date I'm going to make a special prayer cum wish to God:

Dear God,
It's 11 November 2011, and it is officially the 5,761 day of my life.
Over these years, I have grown under your love and grace.
But if there is one thing I would like to ask of you this day, it would be to learn to love myself.

I am not really pleased with myself, God, it may be because I'm currently under going some changes, but I feel weird, awkward even, about my appearance, and I have to admit that I never really feel good about the way I look.

So I pray that you'll help me understand and grasp hold of the fact that I am your precious creation, and let me see myself in a new light. Change the shy, insecure Claire into a confident, joyful one. Give me the courage to reach out to others.

Give me courage to accept the things I cannot change, a teachable heart to mend those I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Give me confidence, God.

Currently, going through such a phase in life isn't easy. I'm struggling with my physical appearance, my emotions, my thoughts. Help me also to accept the fact that I am growing up, and to embrace the future with the hope of your guiding hand that will be with me, instead of having an escapist mentality of always wanting to stay a kid.

Make me a better person, inside and out, and I pray with all my heart that you'll use me as a vessel of joy, love and inspiration to others for your Namesake.

Amen.