Miami: Celebrating 50 Years of Life and Friendships

Coming from the serene embrace of Jamaica, I arrived in Miami uncertain about how to feel about the coming milestone I had never fully embraced before, my 50th birthday. This wasn’t just any milestone either, it was becoming a moment that symbolized not just surviving but truly thriving. For the first time in my life, I was experiencing what it felt like to be celebrated, not for what I do, but for who I am.

This celebration itself was made possible by a dear friend who took it upon themselves to plan( and also pay for) the entire event. Her generosity, love, and belief in my worth moved me to my core. It was a gesture that reminded me of the beauty of true friendship and the importance of allowing others to show their love for you, but, we'll get to that.

The days leading up to the party were filled with a mix of calmness and being nonchalant. The thing is I had never been one to plan big celebrations for myself, and THIS, was no different lol. During the week, one by one my friends started to arrive. Nothing felt out of the ordinary, as Miami was always a regular destination for us during and after college. Howsoever, during a moment of Jokes and Drinks, I looked around in appreciation at all whom were present, in that they were all here to celebrate my 50th with me.

From the venue to the décor, every detail was handled with care and intention. Seeing familiar faces from every chapter of my life was one of the Dopest feelings. My college friends, college roommates, high school friends, childhood companions, cousins, and lifelong friends were all there sitting at the table with me. For the first time in my life, I felt truly celebrated. There was no agenda, no expectation, no pressure to perform or provide. The night was simply a celebration, and I happened to be the guest of honour. It was a moment I had never experienced before, and it filled a space in my heart that I hadn’t realized was empty.

The energy in the room was electric. Laughter echoed against the walls, old friends reconnected, and new bonds were formed. As I moved around the table conversing with everyone, I realized how rich my life was, not in material things, but in relationships that had stood the test of time. I took the moment to give everyone seated at the table a moment, their moment, to tell them Thank you, their moment to tell them their meaning in my life.

The beauty of the night moved me, as friends and family gathered around singing “Happy Birthday” with love and sincerity in their voices.I made a promise to myself: This is the beginning of a new chapter. A chapter where I celebrate myself, prioritize Joy, and allow others to love and honour me without hesitation.

In the days following the party, I found myself replaying the night in my mind. I thought about the laughter, the heartfelt words, and the love that surrounded me. And, I thought about Toni, the one who had orchestrated it all, whose generosity and thoughtfulness had made this milestone unforgettable. For so long I had been conditioned to never ask for help, to never lean on others, or to never let myself be the center of attention. But this experience taught me that allowing others to celebrate you isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. It’s a reminder of the impact you’ve had, the relationships you’ve built, and the love that exists all around you. Tonis' act of love reminded me that sometimes the greatest gift you can give yourself is the willingness to receive. Her actions reminded me of the depth of our friendship.

My 50th Celebration, was a night of pure joy, a release of every burden I had carried, every doubt I had harboured, and every doubt that had held me back. It was a reminder that life isn’t just about surviving,  it’s also about living.

Here’s to many more celebrations and the joy of embracing life’s milestones fully and Unapologetically. THIS, at 50 years old, was the Best Birthday yet!

*This night, this party, this incredible act of love and friendship, will forever be etched in my heart. To Toni who made it all possible, "Thank you. You gave me more than a party, you gave me the gift of feeling seen, valued, and celebrated."

My Take Away:

True transformation begins when you let go of the need to always be the giver and allow others to pour into you. Allow yourself to be celebrated, not as an act of indulgence, but as an acknowledgment of your worth, your journey, and the connections that have shaped your life. You deserve to stand in the light, to feel the warmth of applause, and to embrace the joy that comes from letting others honor you.

-Please leave a comment and share your thoughts; Hopefully I'm not on this Journey Alone

#Love #ThankYou #MyJourney #Transformation #BlackFolxsTravel