Today/Tonight [depending on where you are], is the eve of my 33rd birthday. Thirty-three years of life, of being me And while the beginning may not have been the easiest, it gave me exactly what I needed to become who I am today—alive, thriving, and full of gratitude. For that, I’m deeply thankful.

I remember watching an episode of Below Deck some time ago. The season was set in Thailand, and I watched these young and old, rich and wealthy individuals tour beautiful islands. I’d always wondered what it would be like to live in that world. And now, here I sit in Ko Tao, one of the many islands of Thailand, experiencing that very same reality. It’s surreal to think about how much of what we envision, we can truly make happen. My grandma used to always say, “There’s power in the tongue,” and looking back, I realize she was right.

As I’m here in this space, surrounded by so many different people, I can’t help but reflect on one thing: ‘I am the only Black person here.’ And honestly? I take pride in that. Not because I enjoy being the minority, but because it’s a reminder to all of us that the world belongs to all of us. I remember on the way over, I could feel the quiet judgments—privilege emanating from those around me, while they probably only saw ‘less’ in me. But here’s the thing: they didn’t realize the power of self-love, of owning who I am, especially on my birthday.

Speaking of privilege, the “less” that they saw? That’s exactly what gave me my “privilege.” Unlike most people here, I’m not a backpacker. I’m not European. I’m not retired. I’m simply a woman with a job and the determination to see the world. I do have privilege, but it’s a different kind of privilege—one that comes from pushing past obstacles and finding the courage to ask for what I deserve. My ‘outcast’ status and being the ‘black sheep’ actually granted me access to spaces I might never have entered otherwise, and it was my disability that led me there in the first place.

I’ve always had a special bond with an old physical therapist, Mrs. Tami. She’s honestly the reason I walk so well today—she’s that good, and she cared about me beyond just therapy. She shaped not just my physical abilities, but also my mindset. Mrs. Tami, along with the knowledge she passed on to me about Africa and the world beyond, sparked my thirst for travel. My disability brought me to her, and in turn, it opened the world to me.

Now, what does this have to do with Below Deck? Well, for decades, I watched TV shows and movies showcasing worlds like the one I’m in now, and I always dreamed of exploring those ‘unreachable’ destinations. I remember watching that same Below Deck season and telling a friend, ‘I want to be like those people, off the coast of some island in Thailand.’ They replied, ‘You wanna be on a mega yacht?’ I said, ‘No, I just want to be on the island.’ And now, as I stop and look out my window, I’m living that reality. I’m here, on this island, seeing those yachts in the distance. It’s funny how the dreams we have often lead us right to where we’re meant to be.

I manifested this life. I worked for it. Leaving America was the hardest thing I ever did, but it set me on the path to see the world. I prayed, I aspired, I stayed motivated—all to get here. And now, here I am, on the eve of my birthday in the beautiful islands of Ko Tao, Thailand.

With privilege comes power, and I choose to use mine to inspire others and show that what may seem impossible is actually possible. Even a place like Ko Tao… For those who are curious: no, this wasn’t some extravagant, several-thousand-dollar vacation. It wasn’t even close. If you’ve ever looked at a flight map and compared prices, you’ll see that the UK has some of the cheapest one-way tickets to various places. As long as you aren’t overstaying your visa and have a way out, you’re free to come. And as for Thailand? Flights within Thailand are cheap, too. 1 + 1 = cents.

But Thailand… it’s beyond beautiful. I didn’t expect to fall in love with it like I have. Maybe it’s the heat, maybe it’s the kindness of the people here—like the 40-something Black woman who greeted me on my first day—but something about it has me captivated. Even though I struggle with some of the cultural nuances—like when and where to take off my shoes—its beauty leaves me speechless.

Ko Tao is stunning, but it’s only one of the jewels in Thailand’s crown. I know there’s so much more to explore, and a flight to other islands is totally doable. Who knows, I might just fall in love with it all. But no matter how much I love Thailand, Ghana will always have my heart. I miss my home, and I’ll be back soon.

But for now, I’m writing to you from the island of Ko Tao, one of the most beautiful places my eyes have ever seen. It’s hard to leave this magic behind. If I had a blanket, I’d lay under the stars here all night.

As I reflect on this birthday, I realize that I’ve come so far. I’m here in Thailand, living a life I once only dreamed of. My journey has been filled with challenges, but every obstacle has shaped me into the person I am today. And now, I’m fully embracing this moment, living in the present, and looking forward to all the future holds. This birthday is more than a celebration—it’s a reminder that the life I’m living, the life I’ve worked for, is exactly the one I deserve.

It’s my birthright.