Simply grateful; today is May 20, and I woke up to see my 46th birthday! After the last two years we’ve had, and the bout of COVID I’ve overcome, I am truly grateful to be alive. I’ve said my prayers, made my favorite breakfast- salmon frittata. It is hard to contain the excitement of hopping on a flight to Medellin, Colombia to celebrate my birthday. Furthermore, today I officially launch this blog!
I head back upstairs to my room and decide- what to wear? As I enter my closet, I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. Something seems different. Sure, I’m 46 today and aging is certainly beginning to take its course. However, that’s not it though. The reflection and I stare at each other for what seems like an eternity, like Clint Eastwood in a Western movie standoff.
Aha! That’s it! The mirror reflects every dimple of my cellulite ridden thighs, gravity pulling, graying curly hair and the map of freckles on my face. Yet, the mirror cannot reflect the person deep within my soul. A mirror has limited abilities, therefore not reflecting the true essence of one’s existence. Let me tell you, I am proud of the woman I see in the reflection today. That was not always the case.
I’ve had high highs, low lows, my heart has been broken before, I’ve hit setbacks, I made wrong turns that drove straight into dead ends. The woman I was at 25 and even 35 is long gone. The insecurities, fears, apprehension, inferiority, doubts are no longer crippling or stunting my growth.
Today, I stand before the mirror in my birthday suit. To the woman in the mirror, I applaud you! You’ve persevered, even when you thought you could take no more. In hindsight, I recognize, everything or anyone that did not work out was truly for my good. God has a way of teaching us lessons!
In birthday suit transparency, I held off launching this blog for two years. I had some doubts about launching “another” blog to the masses. I thought, “there are thousands of bloggers and blogs out there. They don’t need another one. Why would anyone read mine? I’m too old for this.” Yet, in those quiet moments of solitude, away from the noise, I hear it clearly in my Spirit. “They don’t have YOUR blog. You have a voice. You have gifts, a story to tell, and purpose. Stop procrastinating. Let’s Go!”
Like the mirror, everyone sees what you appear to be, yet, few experience the essence of who you really are. This blog is created to share my life with you in full transparency. To share my ups and downs, the stuff that people often hide. Today, at 46, I am free to be me. I’ve learned that if you live by people’s acceptance, you’ll die by their rejection. Therefore, this may or may not be for everyone; and I’m at peace with that.
I’ll invite you into my home, share some thought provoking truths, travel escapades, fashion picks, travel hacks, and certainly challenge you at times. As an Afro Latina, my mission is to advance the African Diaspora by sharing cultural stories, educational insights and experiences! Sharing the world through the lens of Afro-Latin culture, hence, bridging the gap amongst African descendants in the Americas!!
Today, I celebrate a new chapter in life, and the official launch of this blog platform. I am glad you’re here. Buckle up, we’re going places!!
Xo,
Sandra Yvonne
Looking forward to the blog and loved reading this. Have a safe trip and let’s celebrate when you get back.
Awe! Thank you much for rooting for me always. Glad you enjoyed the reads. I am just getting started! Xoxo 💋
I loveeeee it👏🏽💕
Thank you for the love my darling! Xoxo
I am loving this! Saving it as a favorite so I can keep up with all the things Sandra! I love you, my friend and wishing you safe travels – everywhere you go!
I am so glad you’re loving this space. It is truly a place to connect and reconnect. Xoxo
Awesomeness my beautiful friend! Wishing great success and many adventures to come!
Thank you for stopping by for a read. I truly appreciate your love and support!
Awesomeness my beautiful friend! Wishing great success and many adventures to come!
Love it, San. It’s like sitting down for coffee or wine with a beastie. Many blessings to you and your adventures.
Love this post📯 it’s most difficult to accept life’s changes: from pre-teen to teen, leaving Mama Nem’s house & going out into the world all by yourself, hitting your 30’s & thinking you’re old, then trying to accept the grey that’s starting to come in. You’re not to old for a blogg, you’re helping others find their way & assisting them with accepting themselves with each birthday, regardless of their age. As long as you’re alive, you have a story to tell & it’s very interesting, because we’re all different, yet we all seek & want to be Happy. This Blog is full of Happiness & thanks for sharing your Life with us, We’re All Enjoying seeing you live your Life on Your Terms, with a smile🙋🏿♂️thanks for doing you freely📯
Billy!! Thank you for the kind and inspiring words. I appreciate you! Xo
We’ll written. I’m looking forward to learning more about your adventures.
Que! Thank you for your support and leaving your feedback Cameron. Xo
Great way to start off your 46th birthday. You are beautiful inside and out, best wishes to you!
Hello Joy! Thank you for stopping by and leaving your feedback. You are appreciated! Xo