40 is the new…

40 is the new… whatever. 40 is forty as far as I am concerned. I’ve been 40 years old for a few weeks now, and I absolutely love it. I’m grateful for the time given to me to experience this moment.

I remember turning 30, and that was an amazing blur. At 40, I am all about the presence. Taking each moment in. Feeling what I feel when I feel it. Respecting time. It’s one of the few elements of life that we humans do not have control of. It’s a gift that can be taken back at any moment by the Creator. The reality and humility in that fact are why I chose to celebrate this birthday milestone with intention.

Three cities. Details. Family. Friends. Details.

COLUMBUS. BROOKLYN. SAN JUAN.

3 Cities… Choose One… Choose More. Let’s Live!

My goal was simply to share good vibes and energy the best way I know how to. One of the cities that I celebrated 40 in is my favorite city in the USA. Brooklyn, New York. I have always wanted to host an intimate event in Brooklyn, New York. This year, everything aligned.

My fellow Sierra Leonean Brethren, Chef Tre’von Rafell worked with me to bring my vision to reality. I am forever grateful and highly recommend him and his team.

As I completed my 40th rotation around the sun, I reflected on this year’s experiences:

  • Rejecting clients that didn’t sit well with my soul

  • Karmic completion of some seriously challenging moments in my life

  • Brand elevation of my businesses

  • Receiving love from complete strangers

  • Unconditional patience and support from family members and friends

  • Spiritual guidance to bring me to this point

  • Personal financial growth

  • Extreme grief due to sudden deaths in my family and friendship circle

  • Engagement and wedding celebrations of friends who struggled with relationships

  • Meeting new amazing people

  • Eradicating toxic paths of communication between myself and a few family members


The lesson: Exist in a space of gratitude.

I am not just alive, I am living. Sometimes life is horrible. Sometimes it’s a damn good time. Sometimes it’s a cup of tea with the right amount of agave, as you sit under a cozy blanket and watch birds chirp outside of your window. Ups and downs, I am flourishing one day at a time in my purpose. I support. I am supported. I grow a little. I backslide a little. I’m human-ing. Reality has taught me that I would not be able to celebrate in this way without understanding deep pain.

Someone said to me, “Three cities? You think you are a celebrity or something?” I responded, “Yes. When is the last time you looked up the definition of celebrity?”

“If you are reading this, I hope you deem yourself worthy to be in the state of being celebrated, and that you have loving people in your life to shower you with love and devotion.”

Thank you to everyone who used some of their time to help me celebrate this milestone birthday. I even was blessed by my cousin Agatha who I had not seen in person for the past 18 years! Did I cry? Yes. The brunch was beautiful. I am grateful.

Love, Yima

Photography by Anthony Artis