I can’t believe I turn 44 this week! Even though my heart is filled with so much gratitude and emotion, I have always felt a bit nostalgic on birthdays. Life has thrown me countless challenges.
I sometimes wonder what different set of turns my life would’ve taken if I never lived through these hard experiences. I’ve imagined a very different life for myself when I was 5-year-old but would I still have ended up here? No one knows.
As I look back on the challenges I’ve faced, I realize how much they’ve shaped me. Each obstacle has molded me into the person I am today. I’m stronger, more resilient, and more compassionate than I ever thought possible. Each difficulty has been a stepping stone, leading me to a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me.
But if you know me in real life, you know that I don’t like to dwell on the why-mes, what-ifs and could-have-beens for too long.
I like to put on my best smile and find the moments to celebrate life. Why?
Because we only get to live this human experience in this body once.
So here I am, raising a glass not just to another year of my own life, but to my mom’s too. Our birthdays are just two days apart – it’s a yearly reminder of how tightly our stories are woven together. It’s these little coincidences that make me smile and appreciate the invisible strings connecting us to the people we love.
What else am I thankful for?
I am deeply thankful for my family, whose support has been my anchor through the hardest times. I’m incredibly grateful for the relationships that have sustained me throughout my journey.
My family’s unwavering support has been my foundation, while the friends who’ve stood by me through thick and thin have enriched my life beyond measure. These connections remind me that we’re not meant to navigate life alone, and that shared experiences – both joyful and challenging – are what make our lives truly meaningful.
The privilege to travel, to explore the world, the ability to learn new things, to still have a functional body that can take me to and from, and the immense potential of my future fill me with hope and joy. The peace I currently experience, receiving love from family members, and watching my nieces grow up into beautiful young women, is a blessing I cherish every day.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned over these 44 years is the importance of self-acceptance. I’ve come to embrace my flaws and quirks as part of what makes me unique. This birthday, I celebrate not just my achievements, but also my imperfections and the ongoing journey of self-discovery. I’m learning to be kinder to myself, to forgive my mistakes, and to appreciate the person I am at this very moment.
As I enter this new year of life, I find myself contemplating the legacy I want to leave. What positive impact can I make on the world around me? How can I use my experiences and insights to help others? I’m committed to finding ways to give back, whether through mentoring, volunteering, or simply being a source of support and encouragement for those facing their own challenges.
While birthdays can bring a touch of nostalgia, they also fill me with hope and anticipation for what’s to come. I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead – the new experiences, the people I’ve yet to meet, the places I’ve yet to see.
At 44, I feel like I’m just hitting my stride, armed with the wisdom of experience but still filled with childlike curiosity and enthusiasm for life’s adventures. I still have so much to see and do on this beautiful planet.
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As I blow out the candles, I’m reminded of the incredible journey I’ve been on, and I eagerly look forward to the adventures that lie ahead. Here are five meaningful goals I’m setting for this year to celebrate life, love, and the endless possibilities that await.
1. Start a Travel Podcast
This year, I’m launching a travel podcast to share my experiences, tips, and insights with a wider audience. Through storytelling and interviews with fellow travelers, I hope to inspire others to explore the world and embrace new adventures. This podcast is not just a project; it’s a testament to resilience and the joy of storytelling, a platform where I can connect with others and share the magic of travel.
2. Visit a New Country
Traveling to a new country is always an exciting goal. I plan to visit a destination I haven’t explored before, immersing myself in its culture, history, and natural beauty. This experience will broaden my horizons and add another stamp to my passport, reminding me of the vast world that awaits beyond my comfort zone.
3. Explore a New City in My Own Country
Sometimes the best adventures are closer than we think. This year, I plan to explore a new to me city within the United States, discovering its unique charm, history, and local culture. It’s a reminder that travel doesn’t always have to be far from home to be enriching. I want to see this city with a fresh perspective, focusing on uplifting and supporting Latino owned businesses that may not get as much attention as they deserve.
4. Take a Digital Detox Vacation
In our constantly connected world, it’s important to take a break from screens. I’ll plan a digital detox vacation, where I’ll disconnect from my devices and fully immerse myself in the beauty of my surroundings. This will help me recharge and be present in the moment, allowing me to appreciate the world in its purest form, free from the distractions of modern life.
5. Capture Travel Moments Through Photography and Videography
This year, I’m committed to elevating my skills in photography, flying my drone, and videography to truly capture the essence of my travels. I’ve already invested in several courses, and now it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. My goal is to create stunning visual stories that go beyond mere snapshots, to tell compelling stories of the places I visit and the people I meet.
I want my photos and videos to not just show what I’ve seen, but to convey the emotions I’ve felt – the awe of standing before ancient ruins, the serenity of a misty mountain morning, or the energy of a bustling market. By honing these skills, I’ll be able to share my experiences in a more immersive way, allowing others to virtually travel alongside me.
I want to preserve memories in a rich format that I can revisit years from now. These visual stories will serve as a personal time capsule, allowing me to relive the sights, sounds, and feelings of my adventures long after I’ve returned home.
Why is this important to me? I have been told by my oncologist that I must continue with 5 more years of cancer medication to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer. I feel the side effects that the last 5 years of cancer treatment and medication have done to my body and mind. I want to make sure that I capture as much as possible now, while I still can so that I can enjoy these stories in the years where I may not be able to.
That’s where I’m at right now, staring down at the 44 candles on my cake. I’ve got my bags half-packed, my camera charged, and a head full of dreams. But here’s the thing – this story isn’t just about me. It’s about all of us, chasing our own versions of happiness and adventure.
Maybe for you, it’s finally booking that solo trip you’ve been dreaming about. Or maybe it’s exploring a local gem in your city.
Whatever it is, I’m here cheering you on. Because life’s too short for ‘someday’.
Who knows? Your next favorite story might be the one you’re about to live. So cheers to making this year one for the books.
Do you want to solo travel but don’t know where to start? I have an entire Guide to help you Solo Travel.
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