36

Last week, I turned 36. I prayed, meditated, took a run at the park, ate takeout at my favorite local restaurant, ate raspberry cake and basked in an abundance of texts, gifts and love.

For me, birthdays are spiritual. A big deal.

Think about it - how awesome is it that you were born? There is no coincidence in that. At all.

These days, to be born and to live to see another year is a blessing, especially when you’re Black.

Normally, I celebrate all week long, as loud as possible soaking up sun rays with an aim to darken my melanin as deep as possible.

This year was different - This birthday was local, quiet and at a slower pace. Necessary.

This year, this 36th year, I am praying for more clarity and peace. That is all. That is enough. Still.