Appreciating that 40 is Just the Beginning!

Celebrating My 44th Birthday: Embracing Life's Blessings and Possibilities, and Appreciating that 40 is Just the Beginning!

Today marks my 44th birthday, and as I reflect on my life, I'm filled with gratitude for all the experiences that have brought me to this moment. Not only is it my birthday, but it's also the first day of spring, International Day of Happiness, World Storytelling Day, and Proposal Day. The possibilities of this new season are endless.

Having been born in the spring, it feels fitting that my birthday coincides with the start of this beautiful season. For years, it seemed like spring was hiding from me, but I learned that its promise reveals itself in its own time. The moments of uncertainty and feeling uprooted were actually ordered steps leading to my awakening. Through it all, I discovered that these purposeful pauses are God's way of building patience and teaching us to appreciate the beauty around us that we often overlook.

I hit the big 4-0 in the spring of 2020, right in the middle of the COVID pandemic. It was a time of great reflection, and I felt a greater calling to use my voice as a transformational doctor to advocate for health equity and justice, particularly for women of color who have been oppressed in medicine and medical training. However, as the world came to a standstill, I began to question whether the struggle was worth it, given the cost and potential casualties. While some people turned to social media or busied themselves with action, I took time to reflect and appreciate God's timing and plan for everything. I realized that true joy comes from having a relationship with God, not just from our accomplishments for Him.

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But taking moments of rest and silence can bring us closer to God and help us appreciate His plans for our lives. While some people turned to social media during the pandemic, I found solace in taking time for myself and tuning out the noise around me. This experience taught me the value of self-discipline. By intentionally creating a space of rest and silence in our lives, we can more clearly hear God's voice and make room for His Kingdom in our hearts.

As Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds us, there is a time for everything under the sun. There is a time to connect with others, and there is a time to take a step back and reflect. By embracing both moments of connection and moments of solitude, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty of life.

So today, as I celebrate my 44th birthday, I'm reminded of the importance of taking time for myself and reflecting on God's plans for my life. Let's all take a moment to appreciate the beauty of silence in our new beginnings and embrace the mysteries of life, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

As I celebrate my 44th birthday, I'm excited about all the possibilities that this new season holds. I've decided to be a leader who brings about positive change and fights for justice, even if it means getting into some trouble. As Matthew 5:10-12 and Mark 4:13-20 NLT remind us, we are blessed when we face trials and persecution for standing up for what is right. And as Matthew 13:23-24 NLT reminds us, the seed that falls on good soil will produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted.

Age is just a number, and I'm grateful for all the wonderful things in my life - my loving family, amazing friends, good health, and fulfilling job. Birthdays are an opportunity to pause and reflect on life's blessings. I've learned that it's never too late to pursue your dreams and that living in the moment and being grateful for what we have is what life is all about.

Cheers to another year of adventures and blessings!