Today is my birthday! 🎉
Thank you for all the amazing well-wishes I’ve already received and for any that some of you may still give me! I am so grateful to have another wonderful year and to spend it with the people I love, and that now includes you wonderful people who are part of my online family. Whether you regularly read this blog or are new here, I am grateful to every one of you, and a big thank you for visiting and I hope you’ll continue to be a part of this journey with me! 🥳❤️
In case you’re wondering why I find blogging so enjoyable, it’s because I envision my future kids growing up and having the opportunity to explore an online scrapbook of my life. So, consider this post a potential cool read for them someday.
Birthdays, especially for children, hold a special place in our hearts. There’s the excitement of receiving delightful gifts and the anticipation of doing extraordinary things. For most of us as kids, birthdays signify a time when we can eagerly look ahead to things getting even better. However, as we grow older, birthdays often seem to lose their significance. Many adults pass this special day with little acknowledgment or, in some cases, even fear, viewing it as another marker of age and the passage of youth. But how should we truly feel on our birthdays?
It’s been over a year, and what a journey it has been! This year has seen its fair share of highs, numerous lows, and some moments that felt even lower.
Reflecting on the past year, I don’t see my experiences as triumphs or failures; they are simply the path I’ve taken and the choices I’ve made. As I look back, I’m grateful for both the good and the bad, appreciating the beauty that emerged from all of it. Here are a few highlights from the past year:
- I embraced plant parenthood, nurturing two lovely indoor live plants that are thriving.
- Took a deep dive into Data Analytics, sharing my transition story from Web Development.
- Secured major gigs with local and international firms.
- Witnessed significant progress with my registered digital agency, Pickrays Limited.
- Embraced the journey of having locs and invested in a DSLR camera to capture the progression.
- Became a swim instructor.
- Launched my portfolio website and started a YouTube channel.
- Contributed by donating more blood this year than in previous years.
- On a lighter note, let’s not delve into my love life.
And today, as I celebrate my birthday, I do so not because of what I’ve accomplished or not accomplished. I celebrate because my life inherently holds value, irrespective of significant achievements. I recognize my worth, dignity, and value, making this celebration a testament to the journey I’ve undertaken and the person I’ve become.
Today, and the year ahead.
Today marks the celebration of my birthday—let’s start with a drumroll! Picture balloons soaring, confetti dancing through the air, and a parade marching down the street in my honor. Should I anticipate the clouds parting, allowing the sun’s rays to shine directly on me, as if to announce, “Hello world! It’s Jay’s day!”? Well, maybe not all that hoopla. Today is about simpler joys—there will undoubtedly be cake, perhaps a few gifts, and certainly some jollification.
I kick off my birthday by giving back because, to me, it’s a celebration of life, and the best way to honor that is by sharing my life with others. As a tradition I started nine years ago, I begin the day by donating blood at a local facility, offering it freely for any stranger in need. Following this, I make sure to gift my mom something special as a token of appreciation for carrying and delivering this cute boy.
The day unfolds with a visit to an orphanage home, spreading joy and love to those in need. Then, the festivities take a turn with a boat cruise, eat-outs, swimming, window shopping, movies, a leisurely walk, and perhaps even some karaoke. The possibilities are endless, and who knows, I might even get treated to breakfast in bed. My life is adorned with incredible people who fill it with surprises.
In the midst of these celebrations, I take the time to reflect on the past year, appreciating the journey and setting personal goals to achieve before my next birthday. It’s a day of giving, reflection, and looking forward to the adventures yet to come.
The year ahead holds tremendous promise, and I’m brimming with excitement for what it will unfold. I’ve set some amazing goals for the upcoming year, and here are a few highlights:
- Master my skills.
- Ensure smooth operations for my digital agency, Pickrays.
- Dedicate more time and focus to my camera classes.
- Increase my involvement in volunteering activities.
- Embrace more opportunities for vacations.
- Take a significant step towards marriage (Yes, you read that right).
The list is expansive, and my aspirations are boundless.
In the midst of these ambitions, I’d like to gently remind everyone that life is finite. While we’re here, let’s seize every moment, do more, love harder, and live unapologetically. None of us know how much time we have. I’m committed to appreciating each day from now until whenever, and I hope you’ll join me in doing the same.
If you’d like to help me celebrate, consider doing something kind for someone in your life. That, in itself, would bring immense joy to my heart. Let’s spread love and kindness as we embrace the journey ahead.
Cheers to the adventures that await! 🌟❤️
