Season 23, Episode 1

If you are reading this, it's my birthday. Yessss, right? It's been a whole year since I wrote to you; I have been chasing the bag and getting a hold of my mental health. One thing they won't tell you as you grow older is how much your mental health is tied to having money. Well, not necessarily having all the money in the world, but being comfortable is indeed a good thing. For me? Being extremely comfortable to afford the basics and a little extra in life.

I've spent the past days leading up to this day buried in work and looking at Snapchat highlights from 2020 - 2022. Those highlights made me realize how my excitement for my birthday has dwindled. In 2020, I even went the extra mile to get my makeup done and had an elaborate pre-birthday photoshoot. Last year, my best friend came over and took cute photos of me in a dress I haven't had the chance to wear again. (P.S., my best girl also did the same this year)

This year, I've gotten a lot of pep talks from my best girls, and I'm in a new city. Hold up before you smile with glee; I'm not here to celebrate; I just needed a change of scenery and also to see my best girl.

Additionally, this blog post is part of a birthday tradition.

Updates from my last birthday -

Life is still happening to me, and that's the beauty of it, complex as it sounds, because if life stops happening, well, we'd cease to exist. Isn't that it? 

I completed my service year, and contrary to what I believed would happen after it ended, I did not move back home. I am an independent woman. Sniffs* 

My house is still missing furniture, but that's the epic part of how it started versus how it's going on the journey, right?

I have struggled with the loss of my grandmother, grief, and everything that comes in between.

I met good people, I met a good person.

I have a closer relationship with my younger siblings because I learned how to balance my career and family time. Even though they call mostly to complain and bill me, I really like being able to provide for them and be their backup. 

I am still finding myself and want to avoid being in Nigeria in the next 5 years. 

That's all that happened between last year and this year.

When a friend asked why I wasn't so hyped about my birthday this year, I didn't make a quick excuse for nothing. The answer was simple: I am just not excited. But I feel gratitude; I am exceedingly grateful to Abba for life, for all I've achieved, for my family and the people in my corner. Yes, I often complain about how life is kicking me down, but I look back and see that most of what I have now is what I prayed for. I feel at peace and grateful.

So, if you're like me, stuck in a birthday haze and trying to make big plans for your day, you can start with gratitude. Believe me, you'll feel whole, and everything will fall into place.

One more thing, I can't believe the age I'm turning today, lol. Take me back to 16! 

Anyways, here's to Season 23, Episode 1. The Year of the Divine (again, lol). See the last blog post for reference.

Here's to a new age. May I grow wiser, bask in the beauty of Abba's love, and the love of the people surrounding me.

Happy birthday, YG! 🎂🎈

P.S.: I wrote this while listening to 'Breathe' by Maverick City Music × Chandler Moore × Jonathan McRenolds. 

Also, send gifts. What's a birthday without one? You can always reach me via email @menacelyn@gmail.com