I had expectations this time

It’s 8:14 pm on Thursday, 9th May 2024. I’m lying on my back in bed with my legs crossed and my petit rechargeable fan somewhere near because my lights are out - thanks to ECG (Electricity Company of Ghana).

I needed to find something to do because I’m unable to work with my phone as I used to. That’s why I’m writing.

It’s been difficult deciding on what to write this month. So before today, I had 8 topic ideas and wrote 8 drafts for May’s post. This is the 9th - and thankfully the last. I talk about Monday, 13th May, 2024 - my birthday.

I was very happy that day, but I couldn’t stop thinking about getting closer to spending 3 decades on earth. It's such a short period. But l won't get ahead of myself and time. I’ll be present.

All in all, I’m grateful to God for life.

I’m grateful for clarity.

I’m grateful for growth.

I’m grateful for family. They’re the absolute best!

I’m grateful for friends.

I’m grateful for an amazing boss who truly cares about my well being and growth.

I’m just really grateful. For everything.

Also, I don’t think I panic about growing older again. So that’s a great thing.

More about my birthday

I usually don’t have many expectations or any at all for my birthdays. Maybe for the thoughtful wishes from some people dear to me. I love to read and keep them.

But things changed a bit this year. I was expectant. Not about what others would do for me. But what I wanted to do for myself.

I’ve been anticipating my birthday since the beginning of the year; what I wanted the day to look like, etc.

This year was quite a big deal so I didn’t want to simply wait and see what will happen that day. I had a picture (see below) of what I wanted to do on 13th on my vision board.

Image source: Minimalist on Pinterest

I started a Notion document to plan for it - like I was planning for an actual project. Think due dates, budget, tasks, resources, making inquiries, and whatnot.

Headers of my birthday planning document in Notion

To tell you the truth, it was very stressful. It drained me. I got tired and even cancelled a couple of things. Also moved others forward.

But 13th came and I had an amazing day!

I didn't do what I had on my vision board because my sister gave me a voucher for another experience (but it was similar to what I had envisioned and I loved it!).

I laughed. I cried. I relaxed. It was really nice hearing from loved ones and acquaintances.

I tried my best to be in the moment even though my brain randomly slipped into thinking about the work I had to do.

Anyway. I’m so glad I had expectations for myself. I’m glad I planned. I’m glad I put in the work. It only gets better from here.

…and for the 150th time, I’m thankful for this new chapter! I know it’ll be an amazing year and I can’t wait to bask in its goodness.

Cheers 🥂

Matters arising

Some of you may know about my undying love for Ann Handley’s book, Everybody Writes. And I’m thrilled to announce that I ordered my hard copy a month or so ago through a local bookshop and paid an initial deposit! I’m told it’ll arrive in 6 weeks or more. So I shall receive it soon!!!

It did cost an arm and a leg because the exchange rates keep rising like a dough but I had to do what I had to do. For the love of Everybody Writes and Ann Handley <3

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In case you were wondering, I started the draft on 9th and updated it after my birthday. I finalised the piece on Saturday, 18th May 2024 at 6:35 pm GMT.

Until next month,

Take care, dearest reader. 🐝

D.