end of an era ✨

(just my early 20s, not this blog). Today (October 31st) is my +1 aka World Kumam Day!

People often say that you become very reflective as your birthday approaches and honestly that’s so true. The other day I had some deep thoughts as soon as I woke up and was wondering where they were coming from. I didn’t really get anywhere with them, but was just surprised they came to mind on a Friday morning.

This last year has been quite a ride. It’s been a year full of tears. Like wow, I don’t know if I’ve cried as much in all my adult years so far as I have in these last 12 months. While most of it was surrounding school, I couldn’t believe it. One thing I will say is that I think being in therapy has made me more open to expressing my emotions in more than just words. Some doors closed this year in different areas of my life. I’ve talked to my Therapist quite a bit about transitions (remember that post?). The last 5 years were one transition after another but 25? Truly a year of transitions. It makes me wonder if everyone experiences this.

While I wanted to make sure I acknowledged the lows, I can’t go without mentioning the top moments. From a great 25th birthday with some of my faves, to the holidays with family, to seeing some of my fave artists, meeting some of you all, completing my Master's, enjoying some travels, and seeing answered prayer after answered prayer. God has been so faithful, as always. I came across my monthly gratitude/highlights list from last year and I couldn’t help but be filled with gratitude for how things look now. I often think about how my eldest sister has reminded me (& so many others) that seeing your prayers (& prophetic words) come to pass is a privilege. And I try my best not to take these things lightly. I tell God often I want the awe that I’ve had before to continue. I never want to get too familiar and He never ceases to amaze me.

In this next year, I pray and hope I see quite a bit of growth. My cousin and I were speaking about what I’m looking forward to in this next year and there are so many new things coming my way. As a lover of new things, I am entering this year hopeful and desiring discipline to look after what I’ve been given well. If anything, this year continued to solidify what it means for God to be Jehovah Jireh (See Genesis 22) and El Roi (See Genesis 16). I’ve genuinely felt seen, heard, and taken care of by Him. While I did experience some moments that brought a lot of questions, I know that those moments were ways for God to be revealed as The God Who Provides and The God Who Sees Me.

When you see this, please say a prayer for me. Feel free to comment as well if you’d like. Thank you so much for being here! And I pray as the year is getting towards its end that you continue to be kind to yourself and stay prayerful.

Do you feel very reflective when your birthday comes around? Do you notice transitions more often? Are you a gratitude journaler? What’s the best thing you’ve experienced around your birthday? Leave a comment below x

Much love always,

Kumam 🥳