Esther Ijewere: 40 Wishes for a New Chapter

As I stand at the threshold of my 40th birthday, I find myself reflecting on the winding path that has led me to this moment. It has been a journey marked by highs and lows, triumphs and tribulations, laughter and tears. Yet, through it all, I have emerged stronger, wiser, and more resilient than ever before.

Over the past decade, I have faced challenges that tested my courage, my faith, and my resolve. From navigating the complexities of marriage to overcoming career and business setbacks, each obstacle has been a stepping stone on the path to self-discovery and growth. And amidst the darkness, I have experienced profound loss, particularly the passing of my beloved father, whose absence is felt deeply in every corner of my heart.

But even in the depths of despair, there is a glimmer of hope, a spark of resilience that refuses to be extinguished. It is the same spirit that has guided me through the darkest nights and led me to the dawn of a new day. And as I embark on this new chapter of my life, I carry with me the lessons of the past and the dreams of the future.

In the years to come, I aspire to create a world where women are empowered to embrace their true selves, pursue their passions, and fulfill their highest potential. Through my work with Women of Rubies, I am committed to providing a platform for women to share their stories, celebrate their successes, and support one another on their journey toward greatness. It is a vision born out of my own experiences, fueled by a desire to uplift and inspire others to rise above their circumstances and embrace their full potential.

As I blow out the candles on my 40th birthday cake, I make a wish for a life filled with ease, kindness, authenticity, reciprocation, abundance, and everything good. But more than that, I make a vow to live each day with purpose, passion, and gratitude, knowing that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, every setback is a stepping stone to success, and every dream is within reach for those who dare to believe.

Here are my 40 wishes for this new chapter of my life:

1. May I always have the courage to face challenges head-on and the wisdom to learn from every experience.
2. May my heart be filled with love, compassion, and empathy for others, and may I always seek to uplift and inspire those around me.
3. May I find joy in the simple pleasures of life and cherish every moment with gratitude and appreciation.
4. May I continue to pursue my passions and dreams with unwavering determination and perseverance.
5. May I cultivate a deep sense of inner peace and contentment, knowing that true happiness comes from within.
6. May I be blessed with good health, vitality, and energy to pursue my goals and aspirations.
7. May I always strive for authenticity and integrity in all my words and actions, staying true to myself and my values.
8. May I be surrounded by supportive and loving relationships that nurture and uplift me on my journey.
9. May I embrace change and uncertainty with an open heart and a positive mindset, knowing that growth often comes from stepping outside of my comfort zone.
10. May I continue to expand my knowledge, skills, and talents, seeking opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
11. May I be a beacon of hope and inspiration for others, sharing my story and my journey to inspire others to believe in themselves and their dreams.
12. May I find fulfillment and purpose in my work, knowing that I am making a meaningful contribution to the world.
13. May I be a source of strength and support for those in need, offering a helping hand and a compassionate ear to those who are struggling.
14. May I embrace my inner child and never lose sight of the wonder and magic of life.
15. May I forgive myself and others for past mistakes and shortcomings, releasing any lingering resentment or bitterness.
16. May I cultivate resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, knowing that every setback is an opportunity for growth and transformation.
17. May I prioritize self-care and self-love, honoring my body, mind, and spirit with compassion and kindness.
18. May I be a role model for future generations, inspiring others to live with courage, compassion, and authenticity.
19. May I nurture my creativity and imagination, exploring new ideas and possibilities with curiosity and wonder.
20. May I find balance and harmony in all areas of my life, nurturing my relationships, my career, my health, and my personal growth.
21. May I embrace aging with grace and dignity, celebrating each passing year as a gift and an opportunity for renewal.
22. May I cultivate gratitude and appreciation for the abundance that surrounds me, recognizing the blessings in every moment.
23. May I be a force for positive change in the world, using my voice and my platform to advocate for justice, equality, and human rights.
24. May I let go of fear and doubt, trusting in the infinite wisdom of the universe and the path that lies before me.
25. May I find strength and resilience in times of hardship, knowing that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle that comes my way.
26. May I be guided by intuition
27. May the land of Canada, my adopted home, continue to bless me with opportunities for growth, prosperity, and fulfillment, as I contribute to its diverse tapestry with gratitude and humility.
28. May the bonds of family grow stronger with each passing year, filling our hearts with love, joy, and cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
29. May my children inherit a world filled with hope, compassion, and opportunity, where they can pursue their dreams and aspirations with confidence and courage.
30. May they be guided by values of kindness, empathy, and resilience, as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of life with grace and integrity.
31. May they inherit a legacy of love and legacy, inspired by the lessons of the past and empowered to create a brighter future for themselves and others.
32. May I continue to cultivate a deep connection with nature, finding solace and inspiration in its beauty and majesty, and nurturing a sense of reverence for the earth and all its inhabitants.
33. May I continue to explore the world with curiosity and wonder, seeking adventure and discovery in every corner of the globe, and embracing the diversity and richness of human experience.
34. May I never lose sight of the importance of community and connection, fostering meaningful relationships and building bridges of understanding and empathy across cultures and continents.
35. May I always remember the power of forgiveness and compassion, extending grace to myself and others, and embracing the healing and transformative power of love.
36. May I find fulfillment and purpose in serving others, volunteering my time and talents to support causes and organizations that are near and dear to my heart, and making a positive impact in the lives of those in need.
37. May I continue to seek knowledge and wisdom from all sources, recognizing that learning is a lifelong journey, and embracing the opportunities for growth and self-discovery that come with an open mind and a curious spirit.
38. May I be a beacon of light and hope for those who are struggling, offering a listening ear, a helping hand, and a shoulder to lean on in times of need, and sharing my own journey of resilience and transformation as a source of inspiration and encouragement.
39. May I cultivate a spirit of gratitude and abundance, recognizing the blessings that surround me each and every day, and savoring the simple joys and pleasures that make life worth living.
40. And finally, may I continue to live each day with passion, purpose, and gratitude, embracing the fullness of life’s experiences and cherishing the gift of another year on this beautiful journey we call life.

I am filled with gratitude for the blessings of the past and hope for the possibilities of the future. Here’s to another year of growth, discovery, and making a difference in the world. Thank you for being a part of my journey.