Wow… May God be the glory!!!
Today I spent my birthday at home , in my sweats, scarf on, hanging up curtains… sitting with my dog, eating sweet potato curry and mango sticky rice. I answered calls and texts from friends and family showing love. My friends in Houston were on standby ready to celebrate me, but honestly… I just wanted to stay in.
This was my first birthday without a call from my grandfather singing Happy Birthday, so there was a little void today.
And I’m not gonna lie… I also noticed how I’ve poured into certain people, and the thoughtfulness wasn’t returned. No flowers, no lunch, no dinner. It bothered me for a second… then I snapped back. Back to myself. Back to how far I’ve come, and how good I look getting through it.
I made it to 45… wow. And if you knew why that’s such a blessing…you would be shocked, because I don't look like what I have been through, at all❤️
I’m in my mid-40s now and the fucks are not given even more than ever. I love my freedom, my style, my fearlessness, and how I’ve chosen me over and over again. God said my light is still bright and there’s more shining to do, and I’m here for it. When I wanted to create, I created, when I wanted to dance, I danced, when I wanted to try something new, I tried something new, when I wanted to move to a new city I moved
Happy Birthday to this remarkable woman. I owe nothing to anyone but God and myself. Life is meant to be lived unapologetically, with no regret… and baby, I’m on it.
Love, Shayla James 💛
Turning 45 is a milestone that often brings a mix of emotions and reflections on the journey so far. I can truly relate to the feeling of celebrating quietly at home, valuing those simple moments of comfort like wearing sweats, sharing a meal, or spending time with a beloved pet. Birthdays can be bittersweet, especially when we miss those special calls or gestures, like the ones from dear grandparents who’ve been our steady support for so long. It’s also tough when we realize that the care and thoughtfulness we’ve extended to others isn’t always reciprocated. I’ve faced similar moments where I felt overlooked by friends or loved ones on days that matter to me, and it stings initially. But there's power in snapping back—focusing on personal growth, acknowledging how far we’ve come, and celebrating the strength it takes to keep moving forward. Choosing yourself, especially as you move through your 40s, becomes an act of liberation. Embracing freedom in style, creativity, and adventure helps redefine what aging means personally. Whether it’s indulging in new experiences, relocating for a fresh start, or simply dancing when the mood strikes, these choices are affirmations of living unapologetically. For anyone navigating a birthday that feels different—perhaps quieter or more reflective—I encourage you to honor the journey within. Look back with pride on your resilience and look forward with excitement at the light yet to shine. Like the message in the image, "To the women I was, The woman I am, The woman I'm becoming," this journey is about embracing every version of yourself with gratitude and grace.
