Birthday

It was a pretty bloody brilliant cake

This week I turned 25. Every other birthday that I have had has come and gone without me feeling much of anything. It’s just another day where I sometimes spend some quality time with friends and family and eat cake.

This year I was totally overwhelmed with gratitude for the love that I have been shown by my friends, family, colleagues and you. 

To say that the last two years have been rough would be an understatement. It has felt like I have gone from one proverbial fire to the next, desperately putting out the flames that threaten to engulf my entire existence. It has left me incredibly tired and wanting respite. Of course, this isn’t an uncommon situation and everyone has their struggles.

But what I realised on my birthday is that no matter how horrendous things have been for me; no matter how broken and defeated I have felt, I have always had a least one person there, wrapping me up in love, kindness, support and understanding that has allowed me to overcome all obstacles. I have always known that a person is there for me and that I could call upon them in my time of need. This is something that is completely humbling in ways that words can’t quite express; I am just so grateful to everyone who has taken the time to listen and care about me.

I was also amazed to think about what it has taken for me to make it to the position that I am in. I am incredibly lucky to be in good health; to have a good job, live in a nice house and drive a functioning car. I am able  to look after myself and maintain the ability to make decisions about my own life and welfare.

My parents came to Australia as migrants with nothing. Mum was eight months pregnant with me and very quickly, my dad realised his qualifications would not be recognised in Australia. So, with a new baby, he worked whatever jobs he could to look after us. Mum was young and had no one here to support or help her. Without knowing how to speak English, she helped my brothers and I through our schooling. I read anything and everything I could get my hands on. As an adult, I realise now that I didn’t read a single ‘classic’ – it was all pulp fiction. I had no understanding of Australian government and politics; no exposure to social norms. It wasn’t because my parents didn’t want us to integrate, it’s that this country and its society were so foreign to them.

Somehow though, I’m here and living a life that the child version of me would never even have dreamed of. I have learned so many valuable lessons in my first 25 years – they’re the sorts of lessons that will allow me to see through all of my grand plans and build myself the life that my parents dreamed I would have. In fact, it’s a life that is beyond their wildest dreams and mine. I am just so excited for what the future holds because I have no idea where it’s going exactly. All I know is that this year, I found found so many new and wonderful meanings in my life and I just ant to hold onto them and help them grow.

Most importantly, I find myself surrounded by a network of loved ones that is stronger than I’ve ever had. To those people – just know that I love you; I love you, I love you, I love you. I feel completely supported and ready to take on the entire world. I know in my heart that no matter where I go, I will always find something or someone to be inspired by.

I am so thankful for the last 25 years and feel ready to take on the next 25!

Love to you and yours xx

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