And just like that, Women’s Month comes to an end.

August has been another reminder that life doesn’t always unfold according to plan. There have been twists, turns, unexpected moments, lessons, laughter, uncertainty and those little moments that make you stop and say, “Okay… I see you, God. I see what you’re doing.”

But today was different.

Today was quiet.

Today was simple.

And yet, today reminded me of something I am learning as I journey towards 50:

I am learning how to receive.

Earlier today, I decided to work from a café. Nothing particularly special about the decision. I was simply minding my business, getting some work done and enjoying my own company.

Then Amanda walked in with her Dad.

What a beautiful surprise.

We had a few minutes to catch up, and although our time together was brief, there was something so special about that unexpected reunion. Sometimes you don’t need hours with someone for an encounter to mean something. Sometimes a few minutes are enough to remind you of connection, friendship and the people who form part of your story.

Amanda eventually left.

I carried on with my day.

I finished what I was doing, packed up my things and asked for the bill.

And then came the surprise:

“It’s been taken care of.”

Wait… what?

Amanda had quietly paid my bill before she left.

I hadn’t asked.

I hadn’t expected it.

I wasn’t even aware she was doing it.

She simply decided to do something kind for me.

And for some reason, that little gesture touched me deeply.

Perhaps because I am so accustomed to being the one who gives.

The one who remembers.

The one who checks in.

The one who makes things happen.

The one who says, “I’ve got you.”

But today, someone else said it to me without actually saying the words.

“I’ve got you.”

And I received it.

Later, I went to have Sugar washed.

My Sugar.

The car I named after my Dad.

Another ordinary part of an ordinary day.

Except this time, another stranger decided to wash Sugar for me for free.

Again…

I hadn’t asked.

I wasn’t expecting it.

It simply happened.

And suddenly I found myself reflecting on how beautifully the day had unfolded.

Two people.

Two completely different circumstances.

Two unexpected acts of kindness.

And one very big reminder.

Sometimes we are so busy being a blessing to others that we forget that we are allowed to be blessed too.

Maybe that is what this chapter of #Project50 is really about.

Receiving.

Receiving kindness without immediately wondering what I need to give back.

Receiving generosity without feeling guilty.

Receiving love without questioning whether I deserve it.

Receiving friendship.

Receiving grace.

Receiving help.

Receiving the unexpected.

Receiving the beautiful things that arrive without an invoice attached to them.

As I journey towards 50, I am realising that growth isn’t always about becoming stronger, doing more, achieving more or carrying more.

Sometimes growth is learning to put the load down.

Sometimes growth is allowing someone else to carry something for you.

Sometimes growth is simply saying:

“Thank you.”

And meaning it.

Today, as I close out Women’s Month, I am choosing to remember these two moments.

Not because someone paid for my coffee or because someone washed my car.

But because both moments reminded me that kindness can find you when you’re not looking for it.

And perhaps that is the beautiful surprise of this season of my life.

I don’t have to orchestrate every blessing.

I don’t have to work for every beautiful thing.

I don’t have to be in control of every outcome.

Sometimes I can simply live.

Show up.

Do my thing.

Mind my business.

And allow life to surprise me.

So, August…

Thank you.

Thank you for the lessons.

Thank you for the unexpected.

Thank you for the people.

Thank you for the reminders.

And most importantly, thank you for teaching me that receiving is also a form of grace.

As I step into September and continue this beautiful journey towards 50, I am carrying a new intention with me:

I will continue to give generously, but I will also learn to receive graciously.

Because perhaps the woman I am becoming doesn’t just know how to pour into others.

She also knows when to let someone pour into her.

And that, my friends, is Chapter 04 of #Project50.

The Chapter of Receiving.

Here’s to 50; and to everything I’m still learning along the way. ❤️

#Project50 #Chapter04 #TheChapterOfReceiving #WomenMonth #Becoming #Gratitude #Grace #Kindness #TheJourneyTo50