Today was my birthday and it was really special. I had made up my mind not to be sad about the missed opportunities and rather celebrated that which I am thankful for.
Every year my favourite part of my birthday is hearing from everyone, and this year was no different. I woke up to messages and phone calls from home and all over the world and my day continued along those lines until the clock struck twelve and it is officially over.
I got e cards and video messages and GIFs and even a personalised TikTok! Every message conveys something personal, a memory or an in joke and I could not help but feel loved.
For the last few years I have been fortunate enough to travel around this time of year and I’ve seen so many amazing places. I have celebrated my birthday in Washington DC(2015) Cape Town(2016) Tel Aviv(2017) Sondela South(2018) and Oaxaca (2019), Amsterdam(2020)
Even the birthdays spent in my home country was spent with love and affection. Whether I hosted a old school tea and cake with my friends on a Sunday Afternoon or spent a midweek break at a bush lodge with my parents and old family friends, it was exactly what I wanted.
This year the circumstances were different but not the joy and love. Although this is my home now, it is so new and beautiful, so it counts as a destination as well.
I baked a cake, had a great day at work, spoken with my colleagues, friends and family, played a bit of guitar and eventually I ended it playing a boardgame with some of my oldest friends.
My heart is full and I am thankful. Thankful that I have another year of memories, experiences and adventures. Thankful for my health and job and the safety of my living situation. I am thankful for every person that is a part of my life, giving it the colour that it has.
Looking forward I can only hope that I can take the opportunity that is given me and make a positive impact on the world around me.
Be kind. Stay safe.
mcharlottesmith 