Cheers to year 27!

This year, I am challenging myself to simply do and to share more of the things that I love from cooking to hiking to faith to internal reflections to everything in between. I am feeling very optimistic about all that is in store for this year.

For my last few birthdays, I have usually set a list of external places that I would like to travel to as part of an educational and experiential endeavor. However, this year, we find ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic that has presented a challenge to being able to go as easily to places on a whim and also requires planning and health considerations.

After the journey of year 26 with moving to a new city, starting a new job in the tech industry after working in higher education and becoming quarantined shortly after all of these, I still find myself feeling more confident and comfortable with the woman that I am becoming than ever. Much of my time has been spent to myself and tapping into more of what I enjoy and brings me peace. In doing so, my focus has been on tuning into things that bring me joy from caring for my hair, to cooking new recipes, to solo trips to parks, prayer time, reading, and cherishing the few safe social interactions that I am able to have. I even managed to coordinate my first solo trip as a pre-birthday celebration (new post coming soon)! All of these have been small gifts that I have received during this time.

In thinking about this upcoming year, things still seem relatively uncertain socially, but I am focusing on embracing my days and finding joy in the little moments as best I can. I have been finding so much joy in just being myself during this time, and I am eager to embrace more of this feeling and share more of my life, favorite things, and the everyday things that bring me joy.

So here is to the start of a new challenge! I hope that you are embracing yourself wherever you are.

What everyday things give you joy?

What are some things that you used to enjoy that you want to reincorporate into your life?

What’s one thing that made you smile today?