Hey, lovely people! This week, I celebrated another birthday—a time that, for many years, I used to brush off as just another day. It was always a simple day of relaxation, with little thought or effort to celebrate myself. But a couple of years ago, I made a decision that I’d no longer let my birthday slip by without fully embracing it. I resolved to celebrate myself, acknowledge my accomplishments, and mend and nurture the relationships with the people I wanted by my side.
And I must say, I’m blown away by how much has changed. My people truly showed up this year, and I’m a mess of gratitude, love, and appreciation. I feel so seen and supported—it’s incredible how taking the time to celebrate yourself can bring people closer to you. As I sit here reflecting, it feels like the perfect moment to share some lessons I’ve learned over the past year.
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Lessons from the Past Year
With each birthday, I get a little wiser and learn to live more intentionally. If I were to give advice to my younger self, here’s what I’d say:
- Stop Living for Others: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Living for others leaves you drained and unfulfilled. Instead, live authentically as you. You have a big heart, and by being true to yourself, you’ll still reach others in meaningful ways.
- Believe in Your Talents: You are smart, talented, and innovative. Trust in your abilities because you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Don’t downplay your gifts; embrace them and let them lead you to new heights.
- Accept the Detours: Life sometimes requires a step back before moving forward. Those moments of pause or redirection can bring fresh perspectives and open doors to things we never imagined. Trust the journey, even when it doesn’t make sense.
- Resilience is Key: Tough times build strength, and you are resilient beyond measure. Lean on that inner strength, and you’ll make it through anything.
- Money Comes from Many Sources: Your job isn’t the only way to receive abundance. Sometimes, blessings come in unexpected forms, whether it’s through connections, creative projects, or opportunities that align perfectly with your purpose.
- Always Trust in God: Through every season, God has never failed you. Trust that His timing and plans are always right, even when they’re different from yours. He hasn’t fumbled you yet!
The Importance of Self-Care and Self-Love
Celebrating my birthday reminded me how crucial it is to take care of myself—not just on special days, but every day. Self-care is more than spa days or treating yourself to something nice; it’s about showing yourself kindness and making choices that protect your peace and happiness. Self-love goes hand in hand with self-care, and it means valuing yourself enough to set boundaries, say no when needed, and nurture your body, mind, and spirit.
By making myself a priority, I’ve learned that self-love isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. When you show up for yourself, you can better show up for others. Taking the time to appreciate yourself can be the key to unlocking a deeper relationship with both yourself and those around you.
Support is Everything
One of the most beautiful surprises this birthday was the outpouring of support. I’ve come to understand just how essential it is to have people by your side—especially during tough times. Support doesn’t always come in obvious ways; it might be a text checking in, a quick phone call, or just someone holding space for you when things get rough. Having a strong support system reminds you that you don’t have to do it all alone.
If you’re going through a challenging season, lean on the people who make you feel seen and valued. Support is a gift, and it’s one I’m so grateful to have.
Embracing Gratitude and Looking Forward
As I reflect on the past year, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude. I’m thankful for this chapter and all it’s brought me—the growth, the challenges, the little victories, and even the setbacks that led to new beginnings. Gratitude has become such an important part of my life; it helps me stay grounded and reminds me to look forward to what’s next with excitement and hope.
With a grateful heart, I’m ready for this new chapter, filled with dreams, goals, and the promise of more memories to come. And because gratitude is something I want to share with you all, I’ve created a special journal to help you set intentions, reflect, and track your progress. It’s my little gift to you—a free download to help you reflect on your goals and embrace your journey with purpose and clarity.
Download Your Free Reflection Journal
Start making space for self-care, gratitude, and goal-setting with this journal I created just for you! It’s designed to guide you in creating intentions, reflecting on your growth, and finding joy in the little things.
Thank you for being a part of my journey. Here’s to another year of learning, growth, and all the beautiful moments yet to come!
Happy Birthday Destiny 🎉🎊💕