I’m still writing down my reflections on turning 40. If you missed the previous blogpost, I shared about The Dizzying Decade – my journey back to a place of Solitude.

In today’s post, I want to reflect on how I spent my last evening, saying goodbye to my 30’s.

So on the last day of being 39, after spending the morning alone in solitude, I wanted to do something “symbolic” to say goodbye to the decade. I love rituals and creating milestones. I find them effective and reinforcing during times of transitions. Rituals help me celebrate, pray intentionally and to move on with less awkwardness.

The most memorable rituals for me are the ones that are simple yet profound on a spiritual level –  helping me hear and see God in a deeper way.

Rituals also help me look back to connect the dots.

I chose the beach as my ritual for saying goodbye to my 30’s for two reasons:

I wanted to metaphorically have the sun set or go down on the decade.

Secondly,  I wanted the waves to wash away the old stories so that I can welcome the new.

So my family and I decided to get some picnic-type dinner and head to the beach. We found a beautiful, secluded and pristine beach with the perfect horizon for a sunset.

As the sun started turning golden on its way down, I felt immense gratitude and God’s faithfulness overshadow my heart. I felt the grace that carried me through all the changes and challenges. I sensed the hope that sustained me during times of disappointment and uncertainty. I prayed and blessed all the previous seasons of my life.

I began to wonder…How could one even believe that we could navigate the complexities of life without divine help? How could we ever believe that as humans, we are so “evolved” or awakened hence we are the masters of our fate? How could we refuse to yield our limited knowledge to the God who created the seasons and turns them according to His cosmic will?

As the sun continued to go down, I intentionally released the old and made room for the new. I released the weights, the stories and the episodes that have filled up my life up until this point.

The old is now allowed to crumble.

I asked for new space, new vision, and a new strength to be able to step into the next decade.

I declared John 10:10 over the next 10 years of my life. I want an abundant life. I am empty so that I can be full again – to be filled with new adventures, new creations, new opportunities, new capacity, new relationships and above all, a new PERSPECTIVE on life.

I am welcoming new dreams to take flight, new wings to soar to new heights.

I am ready for the new wine in new wineskins.

No more 30’s, hello 40’s.

I know that from today, challenges are still a given, and more transitions will happen but I know the one who is constant, faithful and true. I trust that His wisdom will design even the best vision for me as I walk into the next season.

I am aware that the next time I will stand on the threshold of another decade (God-willing), I will be celebrating 50.

For now, it’s 40.

I’m ready for the adventure to begin…