Let me begin this post by thanking all of you immensely! In overwhelmed by the love and birthday wishes, from friends, family, fans. As I turn a year older I’m beginning to reflect more (if you’ve been following my posts you know what I mean!) and become for accepting of myself. It’s liberating and daunting at the same time! While I share this special day with my twin, for this post I’m sharing 33 thoughts and lessons on my mind on my 33rd year!
33 at 33
- I’m 7 years from 40…wowzer! when did that happen!?
- I’m my own hero…anyone who is looking at me to be their hero, stop. Find that person in you.
- I’m out of damns to give…mostly.
- I’m really getting a good idea of who I am!
- I’m married to a caring, loving man…I’m a mum to a wonderful angel…I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world even though I genuinely don’t know what I’m doing half the time, but it’s so fulfilling!
- I’m learning to grow and deepen my Faith. I’ve crashed and burned and been jaded but ultimately returned to God because He has been my Day 1. But I’m a work in progress and I’m ok with that!
- I’m so turned off by people that are so unhappy they have to project that onto others. Don’t give into that negativity. You don’t owe anyone the satisfaction of them dragging you down to their level.
- Sometimes I love a good glass of wine. Just…a catch up, a vent session with my friends!
- …but my body is handling turn up sessions a lot worse now!
- I have a lot more faith that things will work out now. Maybe that’s experience, because things do tend to work out.
- People change when you’re going through transitions. Let me be specific here. When I got married and later had our son, I saw both really ugly and really beautiful sides of people. I was a little thrown off initially but Ive realized that’s largely the norm!
- I miss the days when people were real and upfront. When I find them, I stick to them. So thank you to those family members and friends who keep it all the way real!
- Mentorship has moved from being something you add to your CV to something that’s a necessity. I’m concerned about the number of young people who feel lost and exasperated.
- My passion for empowering the girl child has been rocky, but I’m undeterred and happy to be rolling out a program soon that should play a crucial role in uplifting the lives of many girls!
- If you want something, go for it. Ask. Ask again. Knock on doors. Tarmac. Whatever you do, don’t be entitled.
- I’m a good person, in that I don’t wish failure on people and I generally try to treat people well. But don’t mistake that for my being a doormat.
- The hardest thing I’m figuring out is how to be happy. But I’m learning more about that everyday…
- Love has to be intentional and two way. Period. Love is beautiful; its black coffee. It’s bitter sweet.
- Being raised by parents who taught me to value myself has been priceless.
- I’m more keen about my health now than ever before.
- I’m appalled my mum-shamers. It’s hard enough trying to do right by your child; having people criticize how someone chooses to parent, especially when they’re doing the best they can, is a sure sign of an insecure, mean spirited person. Check yourself!
- There are good men out there. Not perfect ones, good ones. Man shaming everyone isn’t necessary.
- I believe in so many cliches that I use to roll my eyes at: life is short, give as good as you get…values that essentially come back to guide you on how to live your life!
- Respect is everything. Respect for yourself, respect for others. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t stand up for yourself when someone is antagonizing to, but the element of respect is not to be underrated as is the case in many instances today.
- I’ve learnt the importance of staying in touch with friends and family. Getting in touch and just asking, ‘how are you?’. It makes such a huge difference because we’re generation flaky; we seem to undermine relationships, especially those from my past. I’m working very hard at this!
- Life is too short to be serious all the time. If you can’t laugh at yourself, call someone who will laugh at you.
- Work damn hard for everything and at everything. Earn your keep. Invest.
- My child has made me reconsider my life outlook on life completely. I once heard someone say giving birth to their child was like a rebirth for them too. I get it, and I love and treasure it.
- I’ve had to stop crossing oceans for people who wouldn’t jump puddles for me.
- I’m happier being unique than trying to be perfect.
- I’ve learnt not to be so concerned about what others think.
- I’m an introvert/ extrovert and that
leaves me largely misunderstood… - I’m ready to take on anything! I’m feeling pretty good ??
76 comments
mum Ethan
January 12, 2017 at 10:16 am
Wow you go girl and a happy belated birthday God blessings follow you always.
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 12:45 pm
Thank you dear! Much love
Shelmith ng'ang'a
January 12, 2017 at 11:48 am
Aaaww look at this young girl..
God bless you and yours all way up?
Nice flow of words?
Those pics you look gorgeous beyond beautiful
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 12:45 pm
Thank you my dear! Hugs ?❤
Nelly
January 12, 2017 at 11:56 am
happy belated birthday MAMA wish you many more
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 12:46 pm
Thanks a lot mami ?
Judith
January 12, 2017 at 12:30 pm
Love it and happy for you…. But I’d lie if i say, ain’t a little bit jealous ?.Am lost at the moment… Never thought it would be this hard to figure out what i was born to do.At 22 i feel like i still have time but the pressure around me makes me feel like am supposed to have been successful, married and having kids already! It’s ridiculous!
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 12:48 pm
My dear Judith, it might annoy you to hear that you still have a lot of time to figure things out, but you do! Perhaps I can start by asking you, what do you love to do? Something that gives you immense joy? Once you can point that out it begins to give you an idea about how you can turn that into your calling, if possible. There’s many things I could write here, thoughts and suggestions, perhaps let me save it for a post on its own. In the meantime, hang in there dear.
Judith
January 12, 2017 at 11:52 pm
Thank you for that…. Seems like i have some homework to do ?…looking forward to the next post
Aggie
January 12, 2017 at 12:56 pm
Happy belated birthday… may you live long to celebrate the goodness of the Lord
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 2:11 pm
Thanks so much Aggie ❤
Jackie
January 12, 2017 at 12:57 pm
Happiest belated born day Janet. Much love from my family. Salimia Huru
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 2:11 pm
Thank you dear! Nitamsalimia ?❤
Saadia
January 12, 2017 at 1:04 pm
Wow ! You are beautiful inside out Janet.Thank you for sharing these amazing journey of yours .
Am pretty much sure you will achieve whatever you need.you are my daily inspiration and reading your blog’s makes me work harder everyday.
Am that type of person who always has 100plus ideas everyday and it’s because of your motivation.
Am truly grateful Janet.we may not know each other but you are deeply loved .
May you always have God’s blessings.
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 2:11 pm
Much love to you Saadia, what kind words! May you also know love, Favour, blessings and joy in your life ahead. God bless ❤
Tulia
January 12, 2017 at 1:20 pm
Introvert / Extrovert ? I totally get you. And great post. May the year ahead bring many more returns ?
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 2:10 pm
Thank you my fellow introvert/extrovert ?? Have a lovely year too ??
Gloria K. A.
January 12, 2017 at 1:24 pm
You are a true inspiration, a role model to many. I hope to be all that and more at 33. Keep slaying!
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 2:09 pm
Thank you so much Gloria! God bless you big! I’m humbled by your comment, asante ?❤
Chanya
January 12, 2017 at 1:24 pm
Oh such a beautifully written post! I can already relate to some of your lessons at 22 while I have definately learnt from those I am yet to experience .Thank you Janet for sharing this.Happiest 33rd birthday! May your new year be filled with an abundance of blessings and all the pleasant surprises!
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 2:09 pm
Thank you my dear! I appreciate your well wishes and blessings ❤
Chanya M.
January 12, 2017 at 1:29 pm
Oh such a beautifully written piece! I can already relate to some of the lessons at 22 but most importantly I have learnt so much on how I am going to approach life.Thank you so much Janet for sharing this.Happy belated birthday! May your new year be filled with an abundance of blessings and all the pleasant surprises
Sheila Wambui Nyakinyua
January 12, 2017 at 1:32 pm
Awesome read and indeed a great journey and view on life. I am truly appreciation number 31 on not worrying about what others think of you- Its been a tough one and had to learn it the hard way but all the same I appreciate where I am in life at the moment.
Keep encouraging others as you always do and a Happy belated Birthday! May the Good Lord keep and protect you and bless you with many more years.
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 2:08 pm
Thank you so much dear! It’s definitely not easy and like I said in the post, I’m still a work in progress. What helps is taking it a day at a time. Thank you once more for taking the time to read as comment on my post. Bless you and all the best ??❤
Fiona nereah
January 12, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Turned 31 on the 5th of January was like Eish!!! Where have the years gone was just 19 the other day lol ?!! But looking back I thank Jehovah for the far he has brought me it hasn’t been easy but all glory and honour go to him.. He rewarded me with a wonderful husband two beautiful children a good business what more can I say but to buckle up and wait and see what we will accomplish together this year…. Happy belated birthday ? may you continue to be that loving wife, amazing mum, a sister and a friend. Shallom.
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 2:06 pm
Oh happy belated birthday Fiona! I love your positive outlook on life! Wishing you and your family a blessed year and thanking you for your kind words! Be blessed ❤
Franc
January 12, 2017 at 1:46 pm
This is amazing Janet. Just the fact of figuring life and putting it down in writing is always a plus in personal growth. Great lessons life can provide. Am reading this once more
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 2:06 pm
Thanks a lot for your comment, Franc! I’m certainly in a reflective season in my life and documenting and sharing it is a special feeling. Thank you for appreciating this! ??
peter kariuki
January 12, 2017 at 1:59 pm
very deep I am really inspired for me this is food for thought I really needed such inspiration. That is wisdom right there.
Thanks Janet
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 2:04 pm
Thank you for reading and commenting, Peter. I’m so glad you’re inspired by my post. Bless you ❤
lelsey
January 12, 2017 at 3:34 pm
I loooove it,am so inspired.
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 3:59 pm
So happy to hear that! ??
Laura Mugeha
January 12, 2017 at 3:39 pm
Happy happy belated birthday and may all your wishes come true.You’ve always been an inspiration
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 3:59 pm
Much love laura, asante! ??
Marie Nyagah
January 12, 2017 at 3:55 pm
waaooh this is soo cool Janet, am inspired.
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 3:58 pm
Many thanks Marie! ❤️
Damaris maina
January 12, 2017 at 4:03 pm
Waoooh best inspiration 2017 . Thanks mama Huru
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 4:16 pm
You’re most welcome Damaris! Thank you for appreciating this! ❤️
Violet
January 12, 2017 at 4:24 pm
I turn 33on 18th…. When you find where the time went, let me know 🙂 Happy Belated Birthday Janet!!! I like the 33 thoughts,the rebirth,the no damns,the little treasures of family and motherhood…. Here is to my 5days of recoil and reflection and reblooming. Life reignited!! Thank You Mama Ethan and A Glorious 33!!
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 4:38 pm
‘Here is to my 5days of recoil and reflection and reblooming. Life reignited!!’ ??That, right there, is beautiful! Thank you for the birthday wishes and for enjoying and appreciating my post. Wishing you an amazing 33rd birthday (look how far we’ve come, huh!?) and hoping you’ll find love, joy and genuine friendships this year! Here’s to us! ??
liz kanyi
January 12, 2017 at 4:26 pm
Wow!Thank you ? I will get there cause am only 20.Bt I recon with most of them(points)#12days of reflection were awesome.Finally I master the courage to live a comment,before I forget Happy belated birthday to u and ur twin.thanks again big siz( if u not mind)
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 4:35 pm
Hi dear! Feel free to leave a comment any time! Thank you for enjoying and appreciating my 12 days of reflection. I hope that they inspired you in some way. Thank you for the birthday wishes! Much love ❤️
Janet
January 12, 2017 at 4:52 pm
Wow!what can I say?”Janet has her way of speaking to me”.You’re there gal smarter than your age,inspiring more than inspirations.In each lesson I’ve learnt two,God bless you Janet ?
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 5:19 pm
Thank you dear namesake! ?
Jacinta Chege
January 12, 2017 at 4:53 pm
Great post Janet, not only are your posts interesting and inspiring, but the Grammer is awesome… You are a blessing to us women. Thanks and a happy belated birthday. God bless you.
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 5:20 pm
Much appreciated Jacinta! ❤️❤️❤️
Patricia Mwangi
January 12, 2017 at 6:10 pm
Such wisdom from such a ‘young’ Soul. Happy belated 33rd Mama Huru, always looking forward to your blogs….
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 6:22 pm
Thanks a lot Patricia! That’s so kind of you to say. I guess I enjoy learning and growing, plus sharing that all as I go along. Thanks for following my journey ❤❤??
Wambui
January 12, 2017 at 6:16 pm
happy belated birthday may Almighty God be with you always
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 6:20 pm
Thank you Wambui! ??❤
maggy njoki
January 12, 2017 at 8:37 pm
happy birthday Janet..thanks for being open about your life it inspires us a lot and feel we ain’t alone in some challenges..be blessed
Janet Mbugua
January 12, 2017 at 8:51 pm
Thank you for that Maggy. it’s taken me a while to be open about who I am (there’s still a lot I still haven’t shared!) but comments like yours inspire me to talk about what I can. I appreciate you reading my posts ❤️
Shiko
January 12, 2017 at 9:20 pm
Wow wow this is so sweet .. I must admit that most of the points above actually fit in my situation… I’ll probably repost some of them… Thank you so much mami for the above… Happy belated birthday Cheers
???#MyAllTimeRoleModel
Janet Mbugua
January 13, 2017 at 2:12 am
Much love Shiko ??
Julie Shyko
January 12, 2017 at 10:52 pm
I love the genuineness in this post. I can relate to some of your quotes and others have opened me up. I love the fact that your quotes are your own, you’re so original!
“you’re not perfect, you’re different, you’re you”!
Janet Mbugua
January 13, 2017 at 2:12 am
Thank you Julie ? I’m working on being a healhtier, happier me and I’m so happy when people like you can relate. Bless you ??❤️
Eve
January 12, 2017 at 11:19 pm
Happy belated birthday Janet. You are such an inspiration. I may not have interacted with you in person, but you are my mentor already. Thank you for always inspiring us young ladies.
Xoxo
Eve.
Janet Mbugua
January 13, 2017 at 2:07 am
Thank you dear Eve, I appreciate that and truly thank you for being inspired by what I do! ❤️
Linet
January 13, 2017 at 11:50 am
I was born on January 10th as well. Your message resonates with me. You are an amazing person and you inspire me to follow my dreams no matter what. Happy belated birthday Janet
Janet Mbugua
January 13, 2017 at 12:51 pm
Bless you Linet! Thank you so much ?? Happy belated birthday!
Nimo
January 13, 2017 at 12:55 pm
Nice read!
You are an inspiration to many (myself included) Janet. May God continue to bless you.
Love and light. Xx
Janet Mbugua
January 13, 2017 at 8:25 pm
Oh thank you Nimo. Much appreciated ?❤
Joanne
January 13, 2017 at 5:37 pm
You are a true inspiration….may you live long to see the Lord’s goodness…
Janet Mbugua
January 13, 2017 at 8:23 pm
God bless you for that powerful comment my dear. Bless you ❤
James Maina
January 13, 2017 at 11:26 pm
I’ve been visiting this blog since mid Dec and everything about it is a fresh breath of air. What stands out on the list and the blog is the positivity. Positivity positivity. Thank you for every lesson.
Janet Mbugua
January 14, 2017 at 8:12 am
James I thank you so much for saying that, because all I want to spread is the message of love and positivity. We all go through a lot, but I’m a firm believer that we can improve and enjoy our lives, even if it takes us a while to get there! Many thanks for appreciating my blog ??❤
Alex Al Mo
January 16, 2017 at 2:26 pm
This is so amazing. A way to jog people like me to wake up… i especially like two. Be your own hero… and ‘ask ask again…. do not be entitled. Lessons lessons lessons.
Bless you Janet
Janet Mbugua
January 17, 2017 at 11:09 pm
Thanks for appreciating my post Alex! Bless you ??❤
Beatrice Kuyia
January 16, 2017 at 5:07 pm
Always inspiring Janet… You look awesome in your pics…you insipre young people to dare to dream n people like me will be eternally grateful to you… Much love
Janet Mbugua
January 17, 2017 at 11:09 pm
Thank you Beatrice and much love to you. Bless you ❤
Barbra
January 16, 2017 at 6:52 pm
wah! Janet God bless you! you are such an inspiration a mentor a role model to many Janet you may not know but you are impacting our lives in different ways, God has choosen you he saw you the best person to fulfill his glory in a different manner.Thank you for having time to create such posts you may not know but it means alot for us who need guidance in our daily lives, words cant express how greatfull i am only God knows may you be blessed beyond measure may you never lack may you continue having the same wisdom and more as you age gracefully, you are humble and beautifull inside and outside God bless you I love you Janet? be blessed!
And oh am kindly requesting if you can make a blog of people in midlife crisis……Thank you God bless you abundantly!
Janet Mbugua
January 17, 2017 at 11:08 pm
Wow Barbara, what a beautiful, inspiring comment. God bless you so much! That means a lot to me! I haven’t quite reached mid-life crisis but perhaps I can write a post about quarter-life crisis? For age 25-35?
Anne
January 23, 2017 at 2:14 pm
Beautiful words there Janet..so real,so full of life..you are an Inspiration in more ways than one..Bless you!
Janet Mbugua
January 23, 2017 at 3:58 pm
Thanks so much Anne! I appreciate that you find my posts inspiring. Thank you dear ?
Nafisa
January 25, 2017 at 2:53 pm
The gal of my generation 🙂 Truly inspired wooow! Walking into my 30’s like… 🙂
Janet Mbugua
January 25, 2017 at 3:18 pm
Bless you hun! Asante ??