Today, Everything Felt Right

I don't even know where to start - but I know how I feel:

Happy. So happy I could burst.

Today has been the best birthday I've ever had. And it's not because I threw a big party or did anything loud.

It's the feeling. The peace. The gratitude. The joy sitting quietly in my chest like it's always belonged there.

For the first time in my life, I celebrated my birthday - with an actual cake. Just that simple thing made me feel special already. But then it kept getting better.

I got so many wishes and prayers from friends and family (yes, I had to remind my dad it was my birthday again - he always forgets- but it's fine, I'm used to it, and it still meant something when he wished and prayed for me). My church unit members sent their love, and some even gave me gifts. People remembered me. People celebrated me. And that alone could have made my day whole.

But wait.

There's more.

My department chose today -of all days- to release our last semester result.

And guess what?

I checked it.
I'm in FIRST CLASS. Clean 4.74 out of 5.0
5 As. 2 Bs. Me! I'm so proud of myself I could cry.

All the late nights. All the worry. All the silent doubts. They were worth it. Every single one. And then -just when I thought the day couldn't get any better- my dad sent me money to celebrate both my birthday and my results.

It felt like the universe looked at me and said, "You've tried. You've come far. Here's a little light for your path"

Before all these. I had gone with one of my work colleagues to a fast food place, bought a birthday cake, and got some snacks - chicken pie, burgers - for my other colleagues at the office. I didn't cut the cake there though. I wanted to save that moment for home.

Even though we're not all together right now (4 out of 8 of us are home), I still took the cake home to celebrate with those at home.
It's not about the crowd. It's about the feeling. And this year, for once, I feel seen. I feel celebrated.

This birthday reminded me of how far I've come.

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You didn't come with a warning, 19. You just arrived - with quiet lessons, small victories, and beautiful surprises.

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Here's what this past year of my life taught me:

• That it's okay not to have all the answers
• That silence can be healing
• That standing up for yourself -even if your voice shakes- is still standing
• And that no matter how lost I feel, I can always find my way back to myself

I've grown -not loudly, not dramatically- but steadily.

And I feel it. In the way I speak. In the way I think. In the way I hope.

I don't have a five-year plan yet (and maybe that's okay). What I do have is a new kind of faith in myself, and a quiet wish: That the year ahead brings peace, clarity, and joy - joy that isn't tied to perfection or performance, just the kind that exists because I'm alive and trying.

I'm smiling as I write this because today has been nothing short of amazing. This birthday, with its joy, good news, and thoughtful people around me, will always be one I remember.

To everyone reading this, thank you for being here.

And to myself...
Happy birthday, Kristabel.
You're doing amazing. You're growing. You're glowing. Keep going.

All image are mine

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