Birthday Reflections: Another Year Older, Wiser… and Still Fabulous!

🎂 Birthday Reflections: Another Year Older, Wiser… and Still Fabulous!

Last Friday, August 8th, I turned a year older — and trust me, I’m still deciding if I’m ready to claim the “wiser” part. First things first: a big, heartfelt thank you to everyone who wished me well, sent me messages, posted me on their stories, spoiled me with gifts, or just sent love my way. You are the real MVPs. And above all, my deepest gratitude goes to the Most High, who has kept me safe and blessed me with another year on this rollercoaster called life.

Now, here’s the thing — my life hasn’t exactly been a walk in a rose garden. It’s been more like hiking uphill in heels: challenging, painful, but oddly satisfying once you get to the top. I’ve fought demons (not the cute K-drama kind), broken barriers, and learned how to survive in a world that sometimes doesn’t hand out easy wins.

This year’s birthday was bittersweet. I was celebrating life while still grieving my grandmother, a woman I loved deeply. I still replay our last WhatsApp voice notes in my head — her laughter, her warmth, her wisdom. She lived a full life, a joyful one, and she never let age stop her from doing the things she loved. And that’s when it hit me: why do so many of us let age become a prison?

I’ve heard it all before:

“Oh, I’m this age, so I can’t do that anymore.”

“My body is this age, so I shouldn’t wear that.”

“I’m too old for concerts, travel, fun…”

Listen — respectfully — miss me with that. I’ve seen my parents live unapologetically. They still get excited about going to concerts, still dance like nobody’s watching, and still live with the joy of people who understand that tomorrow isn’t promised. They’re not reckless, just real. And that’s exactly the kind of life I want: unapologetic, fun, and full of meaning.

We live in a time where too many people curate their lives for the approval of strangers, scared to be judged. And then they tell me, “You haven’t reached this age, so you wouldn’t understand.” Well, guess what? I have living, breathing proof in my parents, aunts, uncles, and older siblings that age is just a number — and a useless one if you’re not living.

So here’s my takeaway from this year’s birthday reflection: Live your life. Really live it. Laugh loudly. Wear the outfit. Go to the concert. Start the business. Book the trip. And while you’re at it, make sure you’re also living right by the Lord — because joy without purpose is just noise.

Special shout-out to Ebbernezer, who’s basically the “Get Out of Your Shell” ministry in human form. You made my birthday extra special, and I’m so grateful for your love, support, and gentle pushes to never dim my light.

And before I go — can we talk about the perks of growing up? You start to see adult friendships and family drama for what they are, and you develop the skill of deciding, “Yeah, I’m not losing sleep over that.” Growth is delicious. I want more.

So cheers to another year of growing, glowing, and living unshaken by what the peanut gallery thinks. Life is too short to shrink yourself for other people’s comfort.

💡 Birthday Gem: “Live in a way that makes heaven proud, your haters confused, and your future self grateful.”