Go Shawty! It’s Your Birthday!

“You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously.” — Sophia Bush

Light a candle — celebrate a life lived.

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Girl! Girl, girl, look at you go.
I have so much to say to you, but first, well done and congratulations — you somehow made it through another year.

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I know you think you’ve seen it all, but one thing has been constant in your life — chaos. For some reason, you never really catch a break. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, and you’ve lived it all, done it all. You went from grieving life to celebrating it. Somehow, you didn’t take the shortcut out — instead, you sat and walked with grief. And while on that walk, you also found little pockets of time to dance in joy.

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I’m super proud of the woman you’re becoming. Life might still feel unfair, but I hope you also see that somehow, you’re better for it.

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The last year started with anger and pain, but in between, the one thing that always held you together — Family — pulled you through. They held you close and made sure you were doing okay.

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After spending the first few months of my new year mourning, I picked up a book that changed how I see myself: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.

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On the 3rd of January, 2025, I started reading it with a group of friends. Every Sunday evening, we’d discuss what we learned and what spoke to us. The book made me dig deep — to face habits, patterns, and attitudes that had held me back from becoming the person I ought to be. (Ought, because I know I’m made for more, and I can do more.)

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By the end of March — early April, we wrapped it up. I walked away with two powerful tools for my personal arsenal: Morning Pages and Daily Affirmations. I gained a lot, but these two have stayed with me. I’ve been consistent with them, and I can see the difference in who I’m becoming. I still struggle sometimes, but the growth is real.

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Right before finishing the book, I signed up for a pattern-making class — to learn how to make sewing patterns for skirts and pants. It still cracks me up because I’d never sewn before, but somehow, I knew it was for me. And it was. It gave me purpose.

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Every Saturday morning, I’d travel from Diemen-Zuid to Rotterdam for classes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those were the best moments of that season. I found reason, purpose, and drive. Most importantly, I felt closer to myself — because in that new space, no one knew what I was going through. They treated me like a normal girl, and that felt amazing. I didn’t have to see the sadness, pity, or that awkward “I don’t know what to say” look.

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I was just another girl chasing a curiosity.
To be honest, I’m still curious about sewing and fashion. I even signed up for a 10-day fashion illustration class (I didn’t last more than three days, lol). At that point, grief came calling again. But I have the videos saved — I’ll get back to them. For now, I’ve used what I learned to draw cover images for my blog. That’s a win.

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Just when I thought the year was off to a great start, I got the news — my contract at work wouldn’t be renewed. At that point, I had no tears left to give. I just kept showing up, doing the work the best I could. On the 26th of September, 2025, I turned in my laptop. It was a normal Friday, but to me, it felt lonely — the end of an era. What a way to wrap up my year.

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Still, I left with zero regret and no grudges — just lessons and a clearer view of who I want to be at work and what my priorities should be going forward.

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Gratitude

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I am deeply grateful for my family.
To David — for holding it down, standing with me through every season, and being my personal entertainer.

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To my mum and siblings — for always cracking me up. There were days when tears streamed down my face, but one scroll through our WhatsApp group chat had me crying and laughing from all the gist and gossip. They may not know it, but their humor and strength held me together this past year — and for that, I’m so thankful.

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I’m also grateful for old and new friends:
Lucio and OG — always checking in to make sure I was still sane.
Chels and my church group — for holding me, praying with me, and standing by me.
Mercy and Bella — for our weekly “adult therapy” sessions.

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I couldn’t have survived this past year without people. Thank you.

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A friend said to me yesterday that I’ve become a different person — that I went from always being there for everyone to finally being there for myself. Setting boundaries. Standing up for what I believe in. Hearing that from someone else felt reassuring.

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She said she likes this Cynthia better. Some people might not understand her, but that’s okay — I don’t live for anyone else. As long as I’m at peace, that’s what matters.
And I agree.

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In the past, I was the overly empathetic one — always there for everyone. Now? I return the same energy. I barely have enough for myself, so why spend it on people who don’t value my effort and time?

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I’m spending that time reading, sitting with myself, daydreaming again, and rethinking what I want out of life. The biggest lesson I learned this year is that death is coming — and while that sounds scary, it’s also the most motivating truth. It gets me up in the morning to live.

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I want to meet death empty.
I want it to have nothing left to take — because I’ll have poured out everything I came with.

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I have so many ideas, and in the past, I’ve executed none. But waking up today and deciding to write this reflection is me choosing differently. I’m starting this new year by doing.

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I’m grateful that my creativity is returning — and I look forward to executing my ideas, whether that’s building a product, shooting a shot, or simply putting pen to paper. I plan to live, dream, and execute like my life depends on it.

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I’m excited for this new year — because I know surprises are waiting for me.
I’m curious about what this version of Cynthia will do, what choices she’ll make, and how she’ll live going forward — hopefully without falling back into old habits.

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This year, I’m celebrating my birthday by taking time off social media. I’m currently only on WhatsApp, and it feels odd not to “celebrate on X or Instagram,” but that kind of off feels like what this new Cynthia needs.

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I’m looking forward to a chill day and a thrilling year.

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“Slow down. You are not behind; you are becoming.” — Morgan Harper Nichols

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Obiagu,
I hope you take time to really reflect — but most importantly, I hope you spend the next year living out the best parts of yourself. Mistakes and imperfections included.

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You can’t strive for perfection in an imperfect world, but you can strive for excellence. So aim for that.

And remember — you are loved.

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Never forget who you are: Cynthia Chidera Peter, Obiagu — first of her name, best in her time.
Love deeply. Live fully.
And most importantly — thrive.

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Happy New Year, Obiagu.
Happy Birthday, baby gyal!
Here’s to a year of unfolding surprises. 🌻

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New year affirmations:

I will walk gently into this new decade — unhurried, unafraid, and unashamed.
I will honor the woman I’ve been, love the one I am,
and nurture the one I’m still becoming.

I will live light, love loud, and bloom slowly —
trusting that every season knows what it’s doing with me.

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