This week’s big idea:
Embracing self-celebration
I turn 40 this year!
Which feels like an insane thing, because in my head it doesn’t feel like I’ve been on this spinning rock for that long. But calendars don’t lie, so apparently it has been that long.
While my birthday isn’t till April 25, I’ve been looking forward to 40 for the last 5 or so years. I’m not approaching this one with any fear or trepidation. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I’m excited for what lies ahead.
Which takes me to the point of this week’s big idea – self-celebration.
Man plans, God laughs
At the start of 2024 I had big plans for my 40th birthday. I was planning an international trip with my nearest and dearest and we would spend a glorious weekend together nostalgically reliving our many years together (most of my close friendships are 15+ years so that’s a lot of reminiscing).
But we have a saying in Jamaica – ‘Man a plan an’ God a wipe out’. Which is not unlike the similar saying, ‘If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans.’
As the time rolled around for me to book the Airbnb, life decided to ‘life’. 2 friends are expecting within 2 months of the proposed date of the trip, 1 recently had a newborn and won’t be able to travel; and at least 3 other friends have life circumstances that won’t allow them to travel in April. And so I scrapped the plan.
Then January 1st rolled around and I thought, why not celebrate differently this year? How can I pay homage to this milestone in a way that does not break the bank but also allows me to include my nearest and dearest?
By dubbing 2025 The Year of Anna and making my 40th birthday a yearlong celebration.
Anna Turns 40: A Year of Gratitude & Giving
Here’s a snapshot of my initial brainstorming session:
I’m still firming up the plan, but so far my plan is to choose 1 activity/initiative from my list each month with something bigger in April (to be determined).
In true Anna-fashion, I have created a logo and bought the domain annaturns40.com. Not sure what I’ll do with them yet, but you will be among the first to know once I decide.
One issue of Sunday Musings each month will be dedicated to these birthday celebrations to keep you in the loop.
January’s theme: In Honor of Future Me
For the month of January it was all about future me. I fully leaned into the theme of NOW, stopped overthinking, and took a few leaps toward things I know will make future Anna absolutely ecstatic.
I got braces, decided to restart my locs journey, and joined a ceramics class. (If you’re somewhat new here, I had locs for 10 years and cut all my hair off in 2018 for a fresh start.)
I’ve had one ceramics class so far and it is HARD. I SUCKED! 😩😂
But it was the most fun I had last week (next to my dance class). I’m learning to embrace the suck and not worry too much about my lopsided pots. Like anything else new and difficult, eventually it will get better once I keep working at it. But even if it doesn’t, I am committed to enjoying the experience.
I’m sure there’s a lesson in there somewhere.
An Invitation
While this year has officially been dubbed the year of Anna, I hope it will inspire you to take small steps toward celebrating yourself and doing more of the things you’ve been thinking about.
Remember, all we have is now.
Fast Five
📚 Book(s) I’m reading:
Fiction: The Husband’s Secret’ by Lian Moriarty
Two of Lian Moriarty’s books have been turned into TV series — Big Little Lies (HBO) Nine Perfect Strangers (Hulu). She is exceptional at weaving a tale, and The Husband’s Secret is no exception!
💭 Quote/Idea I’m thinking about:
“Suffering is your ally. It will tell you everything you need to know. The opposite of the most painful thought in your head is your next step toward awakening.” – Martha Beck on the Mel Robbins podcast
🎶 Song(s) I have on repeat:
‘Living My Best Life’ – Ben Rector
‘Best Day Ever’ – Sly & The Family Stallone
They’re on my morning playlist and really help set the tone for my day.
🧶 Thing(s) I’m making/trying:
The naan from 2 weeks ago turned out AMAZING! But I only realised just now that I didn’t take any great pics to share. Just this half-shot with my Thai Red Curry Shrimp.
I finished the gallery wall for my living room with a digital photo frame I recently purchased on Amazon. It’s my new favorite thing!
I also did some hand lettering for another framed affirmation. Not sure where I’ll hang it yet though.
🙌🏾 Thing I’m grateful for from the past week:
My ceramics instructor, and the opportunity and freedom to have new experiences.
Until next Sunday!
Love and light,
Anna
Anna Sarayna
Professional risk taker, part-time marketer, full-time maker, occasional wanderluster. Forever evolving.
Yaaaaassss Girl! #AnnaTurns40, I’m with it!!
I am so looking forward to seeing you celebrate in the many different ways and to also celebrate with you.
I firmly believe in the here and now, so dweeeet *biggest grin*
My prayer for you, in this 4oth birth year is to dream bigger (yes bigger still) cause you know when you dream you achieve. I don’t know for anyone else, or even me, but you, those dreams manifest into the milestones you’ve achieved today.
Continue to be fearless!
Continue to enjoy the suck!
Continue to love on yourself a little more!
Continue to trust God with your every move!
Love and blessings!