What a season and what a time. I turned 33 this year and I could not have been more grateful. I celebrated my birthday with my husband and sons with dancing, roses, good music, and some amazing home cooking. It was so simple yet so fulfilling. This must be a 30s thang because chhhiiiillleee the peace of God was on this whole day/evening and I just stood in awe.

Most of the time I find myself celebrating my birthday and so excited to look ahead to what’s next and what lies beyond that moment but this year, it was different.

I got to pause for real this year and take a look back at how God has been faithful these past 33 years. I saw his finger write and paint some of the most beautiful seasons of my life and I also got to see his shoulders and hands as he carried me through some of the darkest, most grave valleys of my journey.

I have not seen it all but ccchhhiiillleee if I can help a sister today, let me be the one to let you know how good this God is with some learnings from these past years.

33 learnings

1. Stay grateful, make a list in a notebook or your phone, count your blessings with your fingers or in your mind, do whatever it takes to stay grateful throughout the day.
2. Trust God and that it will work out for your good.
3. Work like you know thee master because he called you friend first.
4. Be intentional with your day, your hour, your minute, not everyone deserves every part of you all the time sis.
5. Stay connected to those who fill your cup.
6. Learn to be someone who can give more than you receive.
7. Stay growing; personally, professionally, mentally, physically, emotionally, keep growing, you’re human so change is inevitable but whether that change is growth or regression is entirely up to you.
8. Remember the Lord your God, we are called live, love and be Christ like not just talk about it.
9. Do something everyday that gets you closer to your goal.
10. A small step in the right direction is better than nothing at all.
11. Remember that today matters, stop worrying about tomorrow or next week.
12. Speak to loved ones, family especially, as if it were your last moment with them.
13. That golden rule also applies in adulthood, treat others the way you’d want to be treated.
14. Vengeance is not yours to worry about.
15. Letting go releases you to be more and experience better.
16. Drink water, lots and lots of clean water.
17. Move daily and intentionally.
18. Lead your heart, don’t just follow it.
19. Think about what you’re thinking about.
20. Be strong and know what you stand for.
21. Dance for fun.
22. Love because Jesus Christ first loved you.
23. Choose to heal, don’t let that thing fester and take you down too.
24. Forgive.
25. Read a book for leisure.
26. Laugh everyday.
27. Hug your loved ones and let them know that they matter in your world.
28. Screen time is a thing so be mindful about how much you’re on these devices.
29. It’s 2025, you lived through a whole Pandemic gurl so remember to smell the flowers, take deep breaths and let your body feel the sun if you get the chance.
30. Read your Bible.
31. Do at least one thing a year that you’ve never done before.
32. Always moisturise your lips.
33. Get to know you, the one God created.

It was in no particular order and I hope it challenges you to try something on that list right now if you haven’t done it yet.

Stay blessed

-A