A few days ago, I celebrated my 35th birthday. As the day quickly approached, I began to feel intense anxiety. It’s funny how, when I was a young girl, I could picture my life at certain ages. The “monumental” birthdays were supposed to be my 18th birthday and my 21st birthday. When I hit 30, I noticed that I hadn’t thought that far.

I think what gave me anxiety was the idea that I’m supposed to meet my goals and follow my dreams by a certain age for them to be successful. I guess I imagined being in a certain place in my life once I was in my 30s. There is also a fear of getting old. The thought of time running out put me in a tizzy.

When I woke up on the morning of my birthday, I felt discouraged about all that was going on. One of our cars broke down the previous day and our heater went out. With all of that happening at once, it was hard to focus on the new year. That night we planned to go out to eat with the kids.

My husband ended up surprising me by having my mom, dad, stepmom, and all of my siblings there. It was a special moment for me. Looking across the table and having all of those who mean the world to me come and celebrate me was a very humbling moment. It reminded me of how much I’m loved and valued.

Something that I had to be reminded of is there’s a time and place for everything. The last 34 years were rich in precious memories, lessons, and experiences. If I didn’t go through what I did, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I have been set free of many past hurts and inner wounds.

Reflecting on last year, I had to thank God for all of His blessings and miracles. He really provided for me in so many ways. I got out of a terrible job and found something that was more for me. I’m amazed at how much I’ve grown this past year. It was definitely a year or learning how to trust God with all my heart and watch Him take care of things on my behalf.

I’ve come to realize that every day that I wake up is a gift, and it’s a privilege to be another year older. It means that my story is still being written and my purpose on this earth has not run its course. That fills my heart with gratefulness.

I’m 35 years old, I am healthy, my family is healthy, and I’m in a new season of my life. I believe that there will be so many new experiences for me. I hope to see new places and broaden my horizons. I declare that fear will not control me this year. I will keep letting God lead me in the ways that I should go.

Lessons that I’ve learned in the previous year:

• Be your own advocate.
• Take advantage of the things that you can change in your life.
• Don’t waste energy complaining.
• Try to find joy in every day.
• Remember that things could always be worse.
• No matter how bad my situation may seem, God is with me. (Deut.31:8, “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”)
• Cherish and nurture those close relationships that give you life.
• Take care of your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
• Trust that God’s plan for your life is better than your own. (Jer.29:11, “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.”)