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| Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com |
On July 26th, I turned 28. It was a beautiful day – for the first time in my life, my friends celebrated and prayed for me. As you may know, I’ve never been someone who makes a big deal out of birthdays; I’ve always chosen to keep it simple and personal.
It’s not about the celebration itself. I’ve always preferred to spend my birthday reflecting on what I’ve learned over the past 365 days.
A lot has changed in my life this year. I unexpectedly left a job I loved and decided to move back to my hometown to live with my parents. I focused on getting to know myself better, deepened my connection with family, and made many new friends. During this time, I experienced a lot of contradictions – moments of light and moments of darkness and doubt.
As I grow older, it feels like the years go by faster. It’s a little depressing, but it’s true. I often ask myself: What is my purpose in life? Am I truly living the life I want? What really matters to me? Am I giving enough to others and to the world?
These are heavy questions, and I don’t have all the answers yet. But as I look back on the past year, I’m deeply grateful for all the growth and learning that came with it.
I know this past year has been one of the hardest I've ever faced. But it has taught me a lot — especially about embracing change and uncertainty. Life is unpredictable, and that’s okay. I’ve had to deal with many changes — in my career, my personal relationships, and my mindset. I’ve learned to sit with the discomfort and grow through it.
I moved from Bandung to Tasikmalaya. It took me almost a year to fully convince myself to take that step. The decision to relocate was both exciting and intimidating. I was happy to live with my parents again, but I was afraid of the limited job opportunities in a smaller town. Eventually, I realized that embracing change opens the door to growth. Now, I’m eager to see what this new chapter holds.
This year, I also learned to say no. In the past, saying no was one of the hardest things for me. As a result, I often felt overwhelmed. But I’ve come to understand that saying no is not selfish — it’s necessary. It helps me set healthy boundaries, prioritize what truly matters, and focus on what brings me joy.
This year also taught me the art of letting go — letting go of expectations, past hurts, and the need to control everything. I used to strive for perfection and tried to control every outcome. It was exhausting. Slowly, I’m learning to release that pressure and find peace in letting go.
Instead of complaining, I’ve learned to find joy in the little things: riding my bicycle in the morning, enjoying a warm cup of tea, or sharing stories and laughter with my family. I’ve realized that happiness isn’t something to chase — it’s something to notice and appreciate in the present moment.
And with that awareness comes gratitude. Even in small ways, I try to reflect on what I’m thankful for. Practicing gratitude helps me find contentment and recognize the abundance already present in my life.
I remember how, in the past year, I often felt like I wasn’t enough. I blamed myself for my failures, called myself stupid, and doubted my worth. But this year, I’ve made an effort to understand myself more deeply. I’ve spent time reflecting on who I am, what I truly want, and what really matters to me. It hasn’t been an easy journey — but I want to love myself better, and I’m committed to learning how.
As I begin my 28th year, I tell myself this: I don’t know what challenges, opportunities, or lessons lie ahead, but I’m ready. I have Allah, and He is always with me — guiding me and helping me through every moment.
Life is a beautiful, messy, and unpredictable adventure. As I step into this new year, I’m ready to embrace it all — the highs and the lows, the joys and the challenges, the knowns and the unknowns.
What you have right now does not define you; your job, your money, your status, or your circumstances. These are only parts of your life, not the whole of it.
Thank you for reading my birthday reflection. This year hasn’t been perfect, but it has brought me closer to discovering who I truly am, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
With Love,
Solihat
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