Entry 09

I turned 28 years old this week. Twenty eight. 

Now, don’t get me wrong, I can see you rolling your eyes and creating a chorus of boohoos. However, let me share a thought.

I find it funny how swiftly my yearn to be older morphed into a desire for time to stand still for a spell. I think that this is especially true post pandemic. I’ve often lamented how I feel two of my best years were stripped away from me. However, as old as those two sequential digits sound to me when I say them out loud, I found that this birthday I was less disturbed by the relentless passing of time.

This newfound peace is the product of a profound year. Year 27 gifted me a tapestry woven with adventures more vibrant and consistent than any preceding it. Twenty-seven-year-old Athena crossed off two new countries and a new state. She graduated with her master’s degree. She was offered positions at three different international schools. She cried and sang her heart out at the Eras Tour. She bid farewell to her favorite people and her home of the last nine years. She started teaching middle school students (which made her love her high school students tenfold). She moved to her favorite city in the entire world. She went out dancing until six in the morning. She gained a sister. She drank wayyyyy too much wine and claras. She penned postcards. She savored the world’s third best pizza. She thought deeply about her desires and chased after them with determination. 

As I blow out the candles on my cake, I recognize that maybe age isn’t the enemy I have made it out to be. There is still so much to look forward to. Each candle signifies new friendships, fresh experiences and personal growth – treasures to be embraced with immense gratitude. Sure little eight-year-old me might be disappointed that I am still single as hell and sans a gorilla dog thing, but she also would be awestruck by the life I lead today.

Entering my twenty eighth year, the adventure continues. Summer plans include jetting off to Portugal and London with incredible friends to see the Eras Tour again (don’t blame me for what Tay made me do). I’ll be traversing France to witness the summer Olympics. Marriage might not be on the horizon, but I’m set to marry my two favorite people in the world.

So, perhaps adding another candle to the cake isn't as dreadful as society often paints it. Each candle signifies new friendships, fresh experiences, and personal growth. For that I will always be grateful.