twenty-one

Today is my birthday and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate it than to spend some time reflecting on how blessed I am to live the life I do. I’ve actually been pondering on this throughout the whole month because I am in shock that I am twenty-one, and because I realized I didn’t get here on my own. In light of that, I want to take this time to share twenty-one things I am thankful for.

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thes. 5:18

1. I am beyond thankful for my wonderful family who has held my hand through the best of times and the worst of times. (Yes, quoting Dickens.)
2. For my best friend/ soulmate that has shown me what love and compromise is.
3. For all my friends that have proven time and time again to be irreplaceable. (truly hard to find. Update: On 6/28 they threw me a surprise party! They are all so amazing, and pics are below!)
4. To have the opportunity to get a higher education.
5. To live in an era when its possible for me as a woman of color to pursue a career in medicine (or a career at all.)
6. To live in a country where I am freely able to praise God.
7. To dance.
8. To laugh.
9. For my health.
10. Work at a hospital, where I am able to make a very minor impact on peoples life and well-being.
11. Be able to do research in my Biology department as an undergrad.
12. For my mentors that have guided me trough school thus far.
13. For my mentors that have invested their time and energy in helping me grow in my walk with God.
14. I am going to go ahead and mention my sweet boyfriend again because honestly I didn’t know anyone so funny, loving, and talented existed; let alone be the person I get to call mine.
15. For every hardship I’ve faced, because those have molded me more than any of the good times I’ve faced.
16. I am thankful for those good times.
17. For those of you that don’t know me, I have a slight Peter Pan complex and the thought of getting old makes me kind of panic. But nonetheless I am so very thankful for each passing day.
18. For my little God daughter, the most precious little girl.
19. For all the small things I daily overlook but I realize are truly luxuries such as clean water.
20. My mastered ability to give myself pep talks.
21. For living.

Its about the little things and all the big things. Its about living my dream and not dreaming my life. More importantly a life that I’ll be proud to ruminate over and share when I’m old and senile. I am excited to see how my future years will unfold  by the awesome grace of God.

warmest wishes,

Winny ❤️

Surprise Party