This year, I turned 30. No grand celebration, no fancy presents. But I had something far more precious: a simple moment with my little family.

We decided to mark the day with the simplest of celebrations, a one-night staycation at a hotel in Solo. It wasn’t about luxury, it wasn’t about ticking off a long list of activities. We literally just went there to sleep. Yet, that one night felt like a pause. A small break from the routines of life. Our kid was delighted just to roll around on the soft hotel bed, while my spouse and I enjoyed the quiet, the kind that allows you to breathe a little deeper.

There’s something about being in a new environment that clears the heart and mind. The endless cycle of daily routines can sometimes wear you down, leaving you tired and restless. Stepping out, even just for a short while, feels refreshing. That little change of scenery, that shift away from repetition, carries its own kind of joy.

And the very next day, we returned to our daily lives in the city where we work and live. Back to reality, back to responsibilities. But my heart was full. Because turning 30 doesn’t have to be about lights and parties. Sometimes, it’s about the little joys, the laughter we share, and the warmth of family that makes the day unforgettable.

Thirty years. It feels like it all went by so fast. I only pray that the years ahead will be filled with gratitude, meaning, and blessings that continue to grow.