Greetings from Malta,
I am sitting on an outdoor terrace, sipping an Americano and enjoying a croissant as I look forward to celebrating another year around the sun on Monday. If you had told me even a year or two ago that this would be my life, I probably wouldn't have believed you. But, as with most things in life, nothing is ever quite as it seems.
Birthdays always bring a sense of anticipation for me. I look forward to them with a mix of excitement and reflection, believing that life is worth celebrating and living to the fullest.
Life has certainly taken me on a winding journey, with its twists and turns leading me down unexpected paths. Despite a life filled with international flights, amazing places, incredible friends, and the most supportive family a girl could wish for, it has been a road of deep self-reflection.
Many of us dream about what we want our lives to be like when we are younger, only to realize that those dreams might not align with our current reality. Success was always ingrained in me, but at what cost? My peace of mind is more valuable than I ever realized in the past, and the compromises I made when I was younger are no longer an option at this age.
One important lesson I've learned is that you can't have it all, all the time. It may sound a bit negative, especially from someone who radiates positive vibes, but it's true. Life comes in seasons. Sometimes, things are abundant, and other times, they are scarce. Learning to navigate these ebbs and flows instead of fighting them is what allows one to find joy even when a situation seems less than ideal.
The only certainty in life is that we don't know how much time we have on this earth. The past five years have shown me that some things are beyond our control, and we can't just let life happen to us. We must wake up every morning with the intention to conquer the day and strive for the things that bring us joy and happiness, even if they seem out of reach. There’s always a touch of melancholy, but when people say they live vicariously through me, I hope that everyone is truly living their best life for themselves.
I'm still uncertain about what the future will bring, but I'm grateful for all the experiences I've had. The past 365 days have made me feel wiser, stronger, and more confident to take on the year ahead.
Until Next Week,
Sherita