Chapter 26!
It’s my birthday and I decided to dive deep into how I feel about things right now.
Today, I turn 26. A number I never thought I’d walk this quickly towards. I have been reminded that I am closer to 30 now than 20, more times than the total number of hours I have been 26 for. It is overwhelming. Like the morning alarm reminding me to disconnect from the world of dreams and face reality. Do big girl things. I keep snoozing it because the idea of spending a few more minutes in the dream world feels comforting.
Ageing is a funny thing. As a child, you always loved the idea of growing up, making your own money, owning a house and doing a job you are excited to wake up for each day. But when growing up actually happens, the world reveals itself to you. More money becomes the goal. Work is not always exciting. You fear having to live without your parents one day. It’s not all sunshine and roses. But it’s still something. I say this as someone who has not just lived, but felt most of the last 26 years of her life deeply, that behind all the responsibilities of growing up, the insecurities of not living a life you thought you would by now, and the fears of what the future might reveal, life is beautiful. With every breath we take, we get to write our own story, and it’s not something to be taken for granted. It has taken me a lot of sleepless nights, broken friendships, failures, some amazing milestones and an overwhelming amount of love to reach 26, for which I am nothing but thankful.
At 26, I have absolutely no desire to compete with anyone in life. Simply because a) I don’t see there being a need for a race in this world and b) even if there is, I am not sure if the end goal of it is what will truly give me joy. I want to cheer for others (and myself) instead. Because life can be incredibly hard sometimes and kindness goes a long way. Comparison has led us all to believe that we’re the only ones out there struggling to get through life when it’s not really true. People need, and actually remember your kindness, long after they receive it. Believe me when I say that having a kind heart is a rare but much-appreciated quality. That there isn’t just a single place at the top - we can all make it by climbing our own mountains, and that we can celebrate others achieving great things in life without feeling behind in ours.
he last few years have revealed to me that love exists in small moments. The kind we usually look over because they arrive wrapped in what is seen as ordinary, completely unannounced. A quiet reassurance of a loving hand on your head when you have had a difficult day. A message asking if you’ve reached home safely. A quick check-in, a reminder to drink water, a “best of luck” wish for an important day. We wait for grand gestures to feel loved, when in reality it surrounds us in many ways that go unnoticed. At 26, I want to notice this love. Hold on to it, and most importantly, give it back. I know it’s not easy on some days, especially when all we read about is war and power, but there is a lot of love to receive and give through the ordinary moments, only if we choose to see it.
At 26, I may not know what the path ahead looks like, but I am grateful to watch it unfold before my eyes. My only hope is for all of us to achieve whatever we’ve been working towards. Love with an open heart. Live each day with intention, kindness and the courage to embrace whatever comes next.
Much love,
Mansi
Or leave a comment below and let me know how you feel at this stage of your life? It could be anything you want to talk about!
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Happy birthday, Mansi! A virtual cake and flowers from Nairobi. I've enjoyed seeing you celebrate these over the years. Time does fly...
I like getting older, I like what the years reveal. As we age, we tend to live more intentionally and purposefully. There is more life in the years.
Beautiful and wonderful reflections to live by. Ahead, inspired by what the past has taught us. Wishing you all the best. To success that's aligned!
happy 26th!!!🧁What a heart you carry into it. This whole piece reads like someone who's chosen to notice the love around her and give it back, and that's a rare, beautiful way to move through the world.❤️❤️❤️ HAPPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!