Today I am a year older. I have reasons to be thankful and to celebrate, not only because it is my birthday, but because of the gift of life that is priceless, yet cannot be bought with price. Every single moment I have lived is a blessing, not only for me, but for the privileges of being part of family and friends who care. Waking up today, 2nd of July, to a brand new age is a blessing that should not be taken for granted. A lot of people started the life journey with me, but not all of them have made it this far - this is a gentle reminder that a lot of things about life are privileges. ![Samminator birthday 02-07-25.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmRpnMNkDd9PmMDdF41ZSChr9TMJQU1JTW7U1Fyrkd4wSo/Samminator%20birthday%2002-07-25.jpg) It is true that the journey of life may not have been easy, and may have been challenging, but so far, there are lots of things to be thankful for. For the journey so far, my heart is eternally grateful. Not because I am where I have ever wanted or wished for; of course there are still ways to go; but because I am not where I used to be. Through the challenges of life, through the hard times, through the uncertainties of life, one thing has kept me going - the hopes of something better. Each day has become an opportunity to achieve something greater and each step has taken me closer to the fulfilment of my dreams. I cannot be appreciative enough of the people who have made my life better, who have made the journey easier, who have taught me to be a better version of myself. For their lessons, their corrections, their love, their support, for making me feel part of something adorable, I am thankful. One of the things that I am appreciative of is the gift of relevant people. My family, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, relatives, have played a part, in their own way, towards my journey so far, and for that, I am very grateful. I am also thankful for the blessings of the past years - for the protection, provisions, preservation, of a truth, my life has been an expression of grace. Even in the days when it looked like my strength was about to fail me, help still came through for me. Even in the moments of uncertainties, yet there was a way out, and peace was not lacking. I can boldly say that I am surrounded by love, by care, by good friendship, by family, and by favour. This is a prove that "divinity" has smiled on me. ![prayer-6764197_640.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZhj4E4ytJq2YfDGg3JF76CfL9Xxi3Z2ieU4pGBXjf358/prayer-6764197_640.jpg) _{Image from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/photos/prayer-faith-religion-hope-6764197)} Today reminds me, among other things, that life has a purpose. Without any doubt, I know that I am here for a purpose and for a reason. This new page of my life will definitely be far better than the last ones. It is my wish that this year will be more glorious, more worthy, and more fulfilling. Just as my custom used to be, and as part of my birthday celebrations, I used to extend love to not just my family, friends, and neighbours, but also to the deprived in the society - why should today be any different? More over, the purpose of living is actually to live for others, and for others to live because of you. To everyone who has been part of my life, and part of my journey so far, whose names are too many to fit into this post, I say a sincere and heartfelt thank you. Your good acts are eternally appreciated. ***Thanks for reading***

Peace on y'all

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