It’s my birthday today. I fully expected it to be deeply underwhelming as I am, “…recklessly approaching thirty!” in the harsh words of Sheriff. Lol. I was preparing for an underwhelming birthday, I feel like prime number birthdays are quite blah, because you spend them looking forward to the next one, the real milestone birthday. Think of 17…in comparison to turning 16 or 18, 17 feels so random. To me anyway!

But something happened.

I’d been hoping to organize another TEDx event, after being part of the TEDx Ikoyi team, for ages and I finally put my plans to work this year. After months of planning, budgeting and hustling, my TEDx happened last Tuesday, 22 September, 2015. And it was amazing.  In my team members, I’ve found friends for life. Friends with passion, intelligence, humour and so much soul! The event was EVERYTHING! I’m still smiling to myself as random memories from the night come to mind. I think more than all the excellent feedback we’ve been getting, more than the vibe of inspiration and suppressed excitement in the room, more than anything else, the real testament to the event’s success was the fact that NO single member of the audience moved from their seat. Everyone sat with  eyes riveted on the stage, laughing, crying, clapping, nodding, making notes…as each speaker came out and left their soul on stage.  In that moment, we were one. It was beautiful. I was terrified. At some point I left the hall, worried something was going to jinx things and break the spell. I left. I went outside bought some Suya and began comfort eating in fear…until my Muslim friend and teammate who had left the hall to say his prayers,  found me munching my way into unnecessary depression and ushered me back in. Lol.

I mean I had expectations, I had hopes…God outdid every single one. Like, I’m convinced that when it comes to me, God ALWAYS outdoes Himself. He gives me what I didn’t even know to dream of thinking about! I am at once awed and humbled by Him.

So this birthday honestly, meets me overwhelmed and grateful. Very happy…and so solidly confident in myself, in my abilities, and in God.

I cannot think of a better present.  Happy birthday to me. 🙂