Birthday Weekend: 45 Things at 45

Birthdays have never been about grand celebrations for me. As I've gotten older, I've realized that the things that make me happiest are often the simplest ones... the quiet moments, familiar comforts, little rituals, and places that make life feel soft and meaningful. So for my 45th birthday weekend, I decided to make a list of 45 things I love. Not accomplishments. Not goals. Not bucket-list items. Just the things that make me smile. The small pieces that make up my everyday life. Some are places, some are experiences, and some are simply feelings I hope never to outgrow.

1. Watching the sunrise is one of my favorite reminders that every day offers a fresh beginning.2. Slow mornings give me the chance to ease into the day and appreciate life's quieter moments. 3. A good breakfast always feels like a small act of care that sets the tone for the rest of the day. 4. Going outside for fresh air helps me reset, clear my mind, and reconnect with the world around me.

5. Creating a new Spotify playlist is one of my favorite ways to capture a mood, a season, or a moment in time. 6. Listening to my favorite songs feels like catching up with old friends who always know exactly what I need to hear. 7. Romanticizing ordinary moments helps me find beauty in the small details that might otherwise go unnoticed. 8. Spending time in nature reminds me to slow down and appreciate the simple wonders around me. 9. Walking during golden hour makes even the most ordinary day feel a little more magical. 10. Slowing down and relaxing is a gentle reminder that rest is just as important as productivity.

11. Having a beach trip always brings me a sense of peace, with the sound of the waves and the endless horizon ahead.12. Traveling with Shoyu makes every adventure more memorable, no matter how near or far the destination may be.13. Watching the sunset is one of my favorite ways to end the day, appreciating the beauty of a moment that never looks exactly the same twice. 14. Going on a summer road trip is about enjoying the journey, discovering new places, and collecting memories along the way.


15. Spending an afternoon in the sand is a simple pleasure that reminds me to slow down and enjoy the moment. 16. Having a carefree afternoon by the lake brings a kind of calm that is hard to find anywhere else. 17. Trying a new hobby keeps life interesting and reminds me that there's always something new to learn. 18. Celebrating quiet moments helps me appreciate the beauty hidden in everyday life. 19. Planting a flower is a small act of hope and a reminder that beautiful things take time to grow.20. Buying a new plant always feels like bringing a little more life and nature into my home.

21. Staring out the window gives me a chance to slow down, daydream, and appreciate the world passing by.22. Eating more greens is a simple way of taking better care of myself, one meal at a time. 23. Picking a flower reminds me to notice the small beauties that brighten an ordinary day. 24. Having a detox shot feels like a fresh start and a small step toward feeling my best.

25. Visiting a coffee shop is one of my favorite ways to slow down, unwind, and enjoy a change of scenery.26. Having a café photoshoot lets me capture the cozy corners and little moments that make everyday life feel beautiful.27. Buying my favorite matcha is a small treat that never fails to brighten my day.28. Making my own matcha is a simple ritual that encourages me to slow down and savor the moment.

29. Getting a new book always fills me with excitement for the stories, ideas, and adventures waiting inside its pages.30. Reading a new book is one of my favorite ways to slow down and get lost in a different world for a while.31. Journaling helps me capture thoughts, memories, and moments I never want to forget.32. Creating a vision board allows me to dream, reflect, and visualize the life I want to build.33. Creating a to-do list gives me a sense of clarity and helps me approach each day with intention.


34. Visiting the province reminds me to appreciate a slower pace of life and the simple beauty of the countryside.35. Taking a city stroll is one of my favorite ways to discover new places, observe everyday life, and enjoy the energy of the streets.

36. Buying a succulent is a small way of bringing a little more greenery and life into my space.37. Buying fresh vegetables inspires me to slow down and enjoy nourishing meals made with simple ingredients.38. Buying more books always feels like bringing home new stories, ideas, and possibilities.39. Buying fresh flowers instantly brightens my day and adds a touch of beauty to even the simplest moments.


40. Meeting a new friend reminded me that some of the best connections happen unexpectedly, like the little cat who now visits me every mealtime.41. Having a mini picnic is a lovely excuse to slow down, enjoy good food, and spend time outdoors.42. Trying a new snack or drink adds a little adventure to an otherwise ordinary day.43. Simply relaxing outside helps me appreciate the fresh air, the sunshine, and the beauty of doing nothing at all.44. Taking random aesthetic photos allows me to capture the small moments and details that make life feel beautiful.45. Making one small goal for myself reminds me that meaningful progress often begins with a single step.

Turning 45 feels less like reaching a milestone and more like arriving at a place of appreciation.

I've learned that happiness isn't always found in extraordinary moments. More often, it's hidden in ordinary days, in coffee dates, sunset skies, favorite books, quiet corners, and small adventures that become cherished memories.

This birthday weekend isn't about counting years. It's about celebrating the things that have filled those years with beauty. Forty-five years. Forty-five things I love. And countless reasons to be grateful.