How will I make my birthday memorable and meaningful? I asked myself when my 30th birthday was just around the corner. I thought of making plans on visiting places I wanted to see, foods I wanted to taste, and activities I wanted to try. Many ideas are available. But I found it necessary to answer this question in order to proceed, “what does my heart yearn for?”. In other words, “what do I really want?”.

To be with my loved ones

I had to let go of trying to make a ‘grand’ plan and decided to allow some spontaneity while making it clear to myself what I truly want. (One of the most essential lessons I learned in life so far is to know what I truly desire.)

It has been such an undeserved yet much-needed blessing to spend the whole day (of my birthday) with my family, and the day after with my friends, just being with each other, bonding together in simple, ordinary yet fun ways.

To be Truly Happy

The idea of being the happiest and getting all that I want on my birthday seems to not be wrong (and it may not really be). However, on this particular birthday, I was invited to challenge this ‘mindset’ of mine by asking, “what can make me truly happy?”.

God’s answer was amplified several times in these days of celebration. It is in this time that I realized and remembered that others’ happiness is just as important as mine. Hindi lang nga pala ako ang may karapatang maging masaya at mag enjoy sa araw na iyon.

Mas genuine and fulfilling ‘yung happiness na naranasan ko nang nakita kong masaya at nag eenjoy din yung mga kasama ko. Sana talaga maging a little less selfish na ako this year. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

The Greatest Gift

Towards the end of my birthday, I thought, “what else is there in store for me?”. I felt like I wasn’t ready to end that day just yet.

Then, I heard a song that I have known for a long time but appreciated only now. I was reminded gently and comfortingly that I already have everything I need and truly want: God’s love, through the love of the people He surrounded me with and the graces that He generously gives. For that and more, I am grateful.

Now, I am called to take action and share to others what I received from the Lord.

Happy Birthday, Self

Dear, keep in heart that your most authentic self is what pleases God and what blesses people…

As you enter this new era, take heart! Begin again. Love again. God has given all that you need: His love. That’s the greatest gift. You don’t need to yearn for anything more than to give more of yourself to God and to the people around you.

1.6.2024