20-Something, Everything, and a Little Extra: My Birthday Reflection

I’m laughing as I write this because honestly… where do I even start?

Last year on my birthday, I talked about how adulthood is a scam and how I was navigating my 20-something life. This year? I don’t even know where to begin. The past twelve months were “a lot,” because everything life could pack into two or three years, it squeezed into one for me.

Life rarely stays rosy for long. I began this year by losing a job I genuinely loved. It shook me badly, but somehow, I kept going. I threw myself into my business, served Nigeria, and continued applying for jobs that didn’t come through. By force or by grace, my business became the main character of my life.

There was a small interlude of good news, I finally completed NYSC. A win is a win.
Just when I thought I was catching a break, I got robbed at home. They took my phone and left me with a sprinkle of depression (which I still believe should be illegal).

But anyway, let me not bore you with the sad part. Let’s jump to the good side.

Surprisingly, this same year made me the softest I’ve ever been. My skin got thicker, yet my heart grew more tender. My mind finally found calm (towards the end, of course - life first dragged me by my glasses).

I gained clarity about life, people, purpose, and the kind of woman I want to be. And in the middle of chaos, God kept sending sweet and sweeter people my way (and yes, I remain the sweetest). People who supported me, laughed with me, held space for me, and made my experiences richer. Some of my best moments happened this year, and I am not ungrateful.

This year stretched me in beautiful ways. While life was busy humbling me, I was quietly increasing my knowledge in ways I did not expect.

I took courses, joined programs, did late-night research spirals on things that didn’t even concern me, and picked up new skills. My creativity expanded, my discipline improved, and my confidence grew.

I also became serious with my body, working out more consistently than ever. And the results? LOUD.

A hotter body, stronger core, bigger glutes, toned back… the full Sweet Lilian Package. At some point, even my mirror became my hype woman.

And speaking of glow-ups, I’m rebranding my business too. New look. New identity. New services! As I evolved, my business evolved with me.

To be honest, I was scared of stepping into this new age. There was pressure, anxiety, overthinking – just everything that makes the classic adulthood combo. And in true “my-body-loves-drama” fashion, I fell sick two weeks before my birthday… again. Third year in a row.

I even did my birthday photoshoot with severe catarrh, and yet the pictures still came out stunning. Because of course, it’s Sweet Lilian.

Looking back, this year didn’t just test me. It stretched me.
It softened me in places I had hardened.
It strengthened muscles I didn’t know I had, both physically and emotionally.
It humbled me, lifted me, frustrated me, blessed me, and rebuilt me.

And now, stepping into this new age, I feel ready.

Ready to dream again.
Ready to rebuild.
Ready to choose myself.
Ready to embrace softness and calm.
Ready to live gently, intentionally, and fully.
Oh yes! ready to love and be loved!

This year wasn’t what I imagined, but it gave me everything I needed. I’m grateful for the people, the lessons, the growth, and the grace that held me up.

Life won’t always make sense.
Some years will humble you.
Some years will heal you.
Some years will stretch you.
And some years, like this one, will do all three at the same time.

No matter how messy the journey gets, keep choosing yourself.
Keep growing.
Keep trusting God’s timing.
Your story is beautifully unfolding.

Happy Birthday to Meeeee!

I’m becoming everything I prayed for and everything I’m destined to be.

...The Sweet Lilian