Champagne Wishes and Birthday Kisses at 33

Bubbles, Blooms, and Birthday Reflections

I turned 33 on February 4th, and to be honest, 33 feels like a lucky year—a year where peace is truly lived in. I am grateful for another year to impress myself and enjoy the quiet moments. February has always felt refreshing, and I’m excited for my personal new year. It feels nice to be growing in a new environment, one that I hoped for last year. I’m so grateful for how this year has started. I went out to dinner with my family and friends, and hit the town afterward. And the cherry on top was that my best friend had a baby on February 3rd, so now Aquarius season has gotten much sweeter.

God created the first home for people as a garden. He is the master gardener, and even through nature, He teaches us His ways. He gives us confidence to trust Him and to expect surprises—like a card from coworkers, affirmations such as “the Year of Abeni,” their flowers, cake, and even a decorated desk—all special touches from the people I work with. And of course, cupcakes from my mom. The calls, the messages, and even more flowers from family and friends arrived at my house, filling the day with so much love. Honestly, it made me feel like I was in the middle of a garden. I want to feel like I’m floating year-round, and that’s why I think it’s important to make decisions based on the season.

It was so nice starting my birthday with an aerial yoga class with friends from every decade of my life in Dallas. As an Aquarius, I love my birthday, but this year I wanted to keep it simple—the kind of celebration that matched the energy of a garden preparing for full bloom. The snowstorm before my birthday was the perfect time to do nothing before what feels like a very abundant year.

These birthday moments remind me not just of celebration, but also of how I want to live each day fully—trusting, resting, and cherishing the little things. It sounds cliché, but birthdays are special if you make them and are open to being celebrated—a reminder of the familiar faces who show up year-round.

I have learned many things in 33 years. One is to say, “Thank you, God,” a simple reminder to pause. Sometimes we forget that our faith can be our sanctuary. Even in the midst of a relaxing day, we are still moving from blessing to blessing because greater is He that is in us. The day of rest is just as important to Him as the work we do throughout the week. Allowing every day to be fun is how we give back to ourselves for our dedication.

Some weekends you’re having the time of your life, and the next weekend you’re tending to your home, your apartment, your space, and enjoying your own company. I’m learning it’s okay to be boring sometimes. I’ve been spending less time on social media, and it’s true what they say: boredom can be a gift. It’s time to enjoy hobbies, reconnect with ourselves, and connect with others in real life. Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to be outside and to be seen.

I don’t think Valentine’s Day should be the only time we send cards or write letters. There’s something meaningful about taking a moment to tell someone you’re proud of them or grateful for them. It reminds me how much we can learn from one another and how sharing even small parts of our lives can make us feel more connected.

I go back to God’s garden. If the first home He created for us was a garden, then we were meant to grow, to bloom, to shed, to rest, and to rise again—over and over. I think about all the goals I used to set each year, and now the goal is one thing. I always knew I was meant for one-of-a-kind experiences. We can enjoy life so much more when we take our hands off the wheel. You can always feel deep down that it’s only going to get better with time. It’s part of our destiny to keep growing our legacy and to live a full, abundant, loving, meaningful life—a life we cherish and dream of.