My 34th Birthday: A Month of Praise, Prayer, and Gifts

I turned 34 on the 20th of September. This birthday felt different in the best possible way. Birthdays often sneak up on us as just another date on the calendar, but this one carried a weight of meaning. For the first time in a long while, my heart was truly at peace and that made all the difference.

When my birthday was approaching, I knew I wanted to celebrate differently. Instead of the usual parties, or overplanning, I longed for something simple, quiet, and deeply personal. So, I told my family and friends that I wanted to spend the day alone in praise and prayer and they honored that wish. Their respect for my choice made me feel so loved and understood.

That day, I woke up with a sense of calm. No rush, no pressure. Just me, my thoughts, and God. I spent the morning reflecting on the past year and the journey of my life so far. Then, as the hours passed, I danced, sang, prayed, and worshiped. It was freeing. It was joyful. It was sacred. I felt God’s presence in such a tangible way, and it reminded me that peace doesn’t come from the things we own or the parties we throw; it comes from within, from faith, and from gratitude. Ended the day with dinner with a friend, it was the perfect close to such a meaningful day. Good food, good company, and a quiet reminder that sometimes less is more.

Of course, birthdays aren’t just about solitude. The very next day, my girls made sure I celebrated in style — our style. I had a get together with my friend Funmi Monet, whose birthday is also in September. It was a gathering filled with laughter, love, and the kind of energy that makes you forget time.

And they came bearing gifts. Thoughtful, beautiful gifts. The kind that makes you pause before unwrapping because you can already feel the love behind them. Each package carried not just an item inside, but a memory, a piece of effort, and a reflection of how well my friends know me. Opening each gift made me feel so special, not because of what was inside, but because of the thought that went into it. Every bow untied, every ribbon undone, every smile on their faces as they watched me open them reminded me of how blessed I am to have people who celebrate me wholeheartedly. We talked, we laughed, we shared food and stories. And honestly, these are the best kinds of celebrations.

If I had to sum up this season of my life, I’d call it a gift month. Not just because I received presents (though those were plenty and precious), but because I’ve been showered with love, kindness, and blessings from every direction.

It’s funny how gifts can come in different forms. Sometimes it’s a wrapped box with a bow. Other times it’s a heartfelt message, a call at the right moment, or a friend showing up when you need them most. This month reminded me that life’s greatest treasures aren’t things,  they’re people, experiences, and moments that make you feel truly alive.

Birthdays are always a chance to reflect, but this one felt particularly significant. At 34, I can look back and see the progress I’ve made, not just in achievements, but in growth. The lessons I’ve learned, the challenges I’ve overcome, the quiet victories that no one else saw but God.

Sometimes we move so fast that we forget to pause and celebrate how far we’ve come. This birthday gave me that pause. It reminded me that I’m not the same person I was at 30, or even 33. I’ve grown stronger, wiser, and more rooted in faith. And that’s worth celebrating.

And of course, my gratitude list wouldn’t be complete without you, Sweetie. ❤️

As I step into this new year of life, my heart is full of gratitude, peace, and hope. I’m thankful for the gift of life itself, for the incredible people I get to call family and friends, and for the endless blessings that continue to surprise me.

At 34, I’m learning that celebrations don’t have to be big to be meaningful. Sometimes the most powerful ones are rooted in faith, surrounded by love, and sprinkled with joy.

Here’s to 34: to growth, to laughter, to prayer, to friendship, and to the endless gifts of life. 🥂