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Birthday Girl Ashantigyal

My poor roommate! I some how manipulated her into taking pictures of me last night so I could have a bomb birthday Instagram post. 124 photos later, I realized that I hated all of them. I know it sounds ridiculous but I began experiencing extreme anxiety about not having a  photo to post this morning. After thinking long and hard for a solution, I remembered that I have a photo of myself as a child that I absolutely love.

In the photo you can see baby Ashantigyal sitting on a bench surrounded by plants with her eyes closed soaking in life. When I look back at that photo I see more than just a younger me. I see a child who was radiant, confident and hopeful. I see a little girl who had a clear path to  her dreams. As we grow older, we experience growing pains in many forms. For me, my growing pains came in the form of depression and self-doubt. If we are not careful, we can allow our growing pains to debilitate us. 

This day in my 28th year of life, I am grateful that I can also see that little girl in present day me and not just in the picture. This past year has been a year of self-realization and growth. I have been able to recognize how far I have come and have gained a clear view of where I am going. My self-doubt has been put to shame by my realization of my God-given talents. As I continue to work through  feelings of depression, I find comfort in knowing sad times are just moments that will pass which do not have power of my destiny. 

*"Where there is life, there is hope." Today, I have been blessed with 28 years of life and 28 reasons to remain hopeful. I have an overwhelming feeling that this new year of life will bring me many blessings!

*Me da nyame asi.

                                         How precious is baby Ashantigyal?!


*A popular quote repeated to me by one of my favorite Uncles, Uncle Agya.
* Translation: I thank God. From the Akan language Twi. 
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