I started writing this post on Friday. I actually wrote the entire thing, but when I got to the end, it just did not feel authentic. It felt like I was writing to fit a particular theme box that I had previously created and thought of as being perfect. But forget that. Right now, I’m freestyling in my writing, unsure of where this will end.
It’s my birthday today, and wow, I’m so proud of myself! I went back and read the love letter I wrote to myself last year, and as I read the words, all I wanted to do was give last year’s Vera a hug and a kiss because she deserved it. Last year’s Vera was hurting on her birthday. I was so thankful for the gift of life, but I was hurting, y’ll!
This year, however, I am in a completely different place. I am not yet where I want to be, but God, I am not where I used to be. It’s amazing what a difference a year makes. God has been working on me gradually, and it was so gradual that I did not even always notice it as it was happening. But then, every now and then, I glance at myself and I love what I see.
Recently, I was on a conference call with my girls, Funmie and Uju, and I don’t remember what I said about myself, but Funmie’s response was, “Na
Contrary to what Funmie thinks, I am not now cocky and arrogant – except when absolutely needed – but my self-confidence has definitely shot up. I have morphed into the kind of woman I admire and dream of becoming. I do not have the words to quantify what I have become, but I just know that I love it, and I am grateful for it.
I mentioned in my New Year post that 2018 was a year of renewal and rejuvenation and rebirth and rediscovery, and I was not lying at all. I rediscovered myself, and I discovered a part of me that I did not even know existed. Turns out that I am pretty fucking amazing. And phenomenal. And remarkable.
One of the struggles I had in my previous age (aka in 2018) was trying to keep it all together when everything was falling apart. But the moment I learned to let go, it was so much easier. I was okay with not writing as much, and I was okay with missing events, and I was okay with not responding to some emails and texts. I told myself that I cannot come and die
I grew up a lot in my last age, but I am not done growing. I am so excited about where God is taking me in this new age, and I am thankful to you for still being here and growing with me.
So, yes, happy birthday to a remarkable woman — and her internet-based besties.
P.S. Pictures were taken by Eli3 Photography, and makeup was done by Edan Makeup
P.P.S. I’m really feeling myself though. Can you tell?
Azeezat says
Happy Birthday Vera.
wish you all you wish yourself and more
have a great one
Vera Ezimora says
Gbam!! Thank you very much, Azeezat. Thank you π
Theixora says
Happy birthday, new reader and I’m loving this space.
Vera Ezimora says
Yay!! New reader! You’re welcome, Theixora, and thank you for the birthday wishes. Hope you come back!
Omo9Jah4Real says
Happy Birthday Vera. I wish u long life n prosperity. May Almighty God continue in His Mercy to bless u abundantly. May we, ur REAL/TRUE friends av every reason to celebrate u n ur day.
May God grant ur heart desires. I wish u more blessed years in GREAT health.
Take care n av a lovely n jolly jolly day.
N. B: Pls, lemme know where the RSVP(Rice Soup Very Plenti) go be o. I wan come chop abeg.
Luv u Vera.
Vera Ezimora says
Awwwwwwwww!
Thank you, my darling!!! We have come a long way oh. I love you right back. I did not have any RSVP, but we can go back to that our location *wink*
Janet says
Happy Birthday Vera!!
We have not met yet, but I think you are pretty fucking awesome!!
I wish you fantastic day, and definitely do not let anything or anyone dull your shine and fabulousness!.
I agree with you, 2018 has definitely been a STRESSFULL year, but the stress brought on a lot of growing up, self discovery and self love for me too!
My birthday is on the 20th, so maybe we should turn up together and celebrate this year of SELF LOVE, because I am determined to reclaim my time, love myself more and give zero fucks this year!
let me know if you are down for this celebration of life turn up scheduled for 1/19! LOL
Vera Ezimora says
Cheiiiii!!! See invitation oh! Janet, I would have LOVED to come, but I already have another commitment on the same day — although I’m now wondering if that one sef will still hold, considering they’re calling for snow all weekend. Kai!!!
Meanwhile, I absolutely love the way you started your comment (by saying that you think I’m pretty fucking awesome) tehehehe. The thing is just swelling my head here. I had a very good day, and I’m so grateful to God for everything. Happy birthday in advance, my darling! And thank you for your love and support. At the very least, may I call you to wish you a happy birthday? If you don’t mind, email me your number (or send it via IG/FB/Twitter messages).
*KISSES*
Ms. Kachi says
Vera nne, happiest birthday to you!! May all your dreams come true and may showers of blessings always follow you!! ππΎππΎππΎ chapter thirty-something looks sexy on you!!ππΎπΈππππ π
Vera Ezimora says
Amen. Amen. Amen!!!! Thank you sooooo much! But ehm, who told you I’m 30-something? Please oh! I’m 25 again. Lol
Uju says
Yesso my girl is that bitch. Rock on
Omo9Jah4Real says
Ha!! So Doctor sef dey use dat kind word? Lol
Vera Ezimora says
Looooooooooool!!!! Omo9Jah, you’re cracking me up! Hahahaahahahahahahaha. But in your defense sha, me sef, I never see this kin doctor before.
Vera Ezimora says
Hahahahahaha.
Bia, Uju, so you couldn’t just come and say that I’m an Ijele Nwanyi or something? Bitch is what you came here to call me. Hahaha. I’m tired of you. I thought you’ll be different in 2019. But then again, you have already deferred some other things to 2020. Lol.
Uju Nnameka says
Lol at least i am trying ro be better..
Vera Ezimora says
Sure. Let’s call it that. Lol.
Berry Dakara says
SLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY VERA, SLAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!
I’m glad we connected on a personal level last year, and you, my dear, are an AMAZON! The strength, life, and fire that you have within is remarkable and worthy of admiration. Ada Verastic is so lucky to have you as her mother, and she will grow up to be a lovely, strong, confident woman just like her mama.
God bless you in the year ahead and cause you to grow more in wisdom and in spirit. I pray that your laughter will never run out. In Jesus’ name. AMEN
Vera Ezimora says
AMEN!!!!!!!!
Ah, ah! Berry, come and see the way I was smiling while reading this oh. Thank you so very much! Funmie needs to come and see how you’re just making my heart Paulina-Paulina. Ehn, Funmie, ezz like Berry will replace you as the hype woman oh.
Berry, thank you so much, seriously. Your words have delighted me and caught me off guard. I, too, am glad that we connected on a personal level. When I first read that sentence and you said we connected “last year,” I was thinking, it wasn’t last year nah! Then I remembered that true, true, it was last year oh. Chei. I look forward to us connecting more π
P.S. Please, come and epp me to tell Ada Verastic how lucky she to have me because the child is taking me for granted. Lol.
Ife.O says
Happy birthday, Vera!!
Vera Ezimora says
Thank you, Ife!
Lady Ngo says
Happy Birthday Vera! You wear this peas and self-confident and renewed energy well o!
Vera Ezimora says
Hahahaha. Nne, I have no choice! Even when I’m not trying sef, the thing just radiates. We thank God.
Judgejudyjudy says
Happy birthday Vera. May ALL your dreams come through β€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈ
Vera Ezimora says
Amen!!! Thank you, baby!