The Big 4-0! As I sit here, penning down my thoughts on the brink of turning 40 this month, I find myself enveloped in a whirlwind of emotions. It's a milestone, they say, one that demands reflection, introspection, and perhaps a touch of nostalgia. For me, it's not just about the number; it's about the journey—the peaks and valleys, the laughter and tears—that have shaped me into who I am today. Turning 40 isn't something that fills me with dread or apprehension. No, it's more of a gentle reminder that time is a relentless river, ever-flowing, carrying us along its currents. It's a marker of the passage of time, a moment to pause and take stock of all that has transpired. As I look back over the years, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the love of family and friends that has sustained me through the toughest of times. Gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way, allowing me to grow, learn, and evolve. Gratitude for the simple joys that sprinkle colour into the canvas of my life. But amidst the gratitude, there are also memories of hardship. The challenges that tested my resilience, the setbacks that threatened to derail me. They say that adversity builds character, and I can attest to the truth of that statement. Each hurdle, each obstacle, has served as a stepping stone, propelling me forward on this journey of self-discovery. And now, as I stand on the threshold of a new decade, I find myself filled with a quiet confidence. I've weathered storms and danced in the sunlight. I've stumbled and fallen, only to rise again, stronger and more determined than before. Age is just a number, they say, and I couldn't agree more. What truly matters is how we feel inside, how we embrace the wisdom gleaned from our experiences. So here's to 40—to the laughter and the tears, the triumphs and the trials. Here's to embracing each moment with open arms, knowing that every twist and turn has led us to this point. Here's to the journey, with all its twists and turns, its joys and sorrows. And most importantly, here's to the unwavering belief that the best is yet to come.