This year, my birthday meant something very different to me.

Two years ago, I suffered a stroke, three episodes on my right side — all of which resolved within 48 hours. But what stayed with me long after the physical recovery was the wake-up call. It forced me to confront a truth many of us avoid, especially as leaders and high performers: I had not been taking care of myself.

In the midst of building businesses, serving others, and carrying responsibility, I had neglected something essential: my health. And that moment made something painfully clear to me: my life is not only about my work.

It is also about my family, husband whose constant support, love, and encouragement anchor me daily. It is about my children, their laughter, their dreams, their need for a present, healthy mother. It is about being here for them, walking life with them, and not taking for granted the privilege of seeing them grow. It is about the many people who believed in the vision l carry and chose to support it together with their families who firmly look up to my leadership as a vision bearer

When God gives us life, it comes with responsibility, to care for ourselves so that we be of good service to both God and humanity.

The stroke made me realise that if I am blessed with many more years, I want to live them fully, not in hospital rooms, not recovering what could have been protected, but present, healthy, and available for the people I love the most. I do not want to spend the fruits of my labour trying to buy back health that I failed to protect.

So this November, I chose to celebrate my birthday with intention. I chose wellness. I chose reflection. I chose gratitude.

The day began with devotion and thanksgiving, flowed into wellness, fitness, mental health conversations, reflection on my life’s journey, It ended with fun filled Zumba fitness class connection, laughter, and shared testimonies. Every moment was intentional, a reminder that life must be nurtured, not rushed through.

This celebration was not just for me. It was also for fellow business leaders and executives, family and beloved friends who may be where I once was, constantly running, constantly pushing, forgetting that we are not machines. Even machines need servicing. How much more do we?

I wanted this birthday to serve as a reminder that self-care is not selfish. Prioritising your health is not optional. Loving yourself is not a weakness, it is a discipline that allows you to show up fully as a leader, a spouse, a parent, and a human being.

When asked about why I would spend so much on the fitness birthday party, my answer was simple: this, too, self love is service. It starts conversations. It saves lives quietly. It reminds people that being strong for others begins with being well yourself.

Above all, I am grateful.
Grateful to God for life.
Grateful for my husband, my children, my supportive circle of friends and the love that gives my life meaning. Grateful for the courage to listen when my body spoke.

This birthday was a reminder that leadership is not only about what we build publicly, it is also about how we protect what matters privately.

Here’s to health.
Here’s to family.
Here’s to choosing life…intentionally. 🙏🏽✨