This year, I made a conscious decision to approach my birthday with a profound sense of self-love, immersing myself fully in every passing moment and extracting its essence. My best friend took me to a museum, where ancient artifacts whispered tales of bygone eras, prompting deep contemplation on the transient nature of human existence. We found solace in the belief that while our earthly forms are fleeting, our souls are eternal. Perhaps it's a good idea to leave behind some memorable stories. If someone from the future travels back, they might appreciate these moments with me. Together, we reflected on how fleeting life is, finding comfort in the idea that our souls endure while our physical forms are temporary. We took our time, absorbing and learning. How the Japanese tea ceremony is therapeutic, offering a sense of meditation. We also discussed how artists depict humanity across different cultures, realizing that we're all just passing through this journey of time.

Spontaneously, she whisked me away to Canada, where we indulged in restaurant hopping, relishing the importance of savoring life's fleeting moments as the sun dipped below the horizon. Back home, surrounded by the warmth of family, I awoke to their love and laughter next morning. We shared a hearty breakfast before my Anya led me on an adventure to the park, reigniting a childlike joy within me. Anya's carefree vibe and complete disregard for what others think make me want to channel my inner kid – you know, the one who happily ignores social norms. Hanging out with her, I revert to my goofball self, hitting the slides and swings with reckless abandon. Who cares about adulting when there are playgrounds to conquer, right?

Eva as thoughtful she is gifting a record player and surprising me with a visit to a record store, filled my heart with immense joy. I was like a kid in a candy store. Danced with Ashish to Bob Marley's soulful music, how these small moments matter. The day seemed to shimmer with an extra brightness, as if the universe itself was celebrating alongside me.

We embarked on a hike, followed by leisurely moments spent in our favorite spot Barnes and noble, sipping coffee and sharing cupcake and reading Rumi's musings. Ashish insisted on getting a cake, but I was adamant on why do have to follow this tradition. It felt as though the universe conspired to fulfill his wish when Anya's friend arrived with a delicious cake in hand. It served as the perfect finale to an already magical day.

But the birthday celebrations were far from over as I was showered with love and pampered by my soul sisters. Their presence felt divinely orchestrated, filling me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and teaching me to cherish myself fully. Are they God sent? Do their souls recognize mine, seeing me for who I truly am without any masks? And in their presence, I am able to be myself, without pretense or facade.

As another year drew to a close, I found myself enveloped in a profound sense of peace and acceptance, recognizing that life's true treasures lie not in worldly success but in the simple yet profound joys of love, connection, and shared experiences.