Today’s message is a love letter—to myself, to my sign, and to every Leo who has ever been misunderstood.

As I close in on the final stretch of 40DaysTo40, I find myself reflecting on the symbolism of Leo—the sign I was born under. Ruled by the sun, often misjudged, but endlessly radiant.

There’s a reel circulating from @_thecosmicyogi that spoke directly to my spirit. It dismantles the tired narrative that paints Leos as self-centered or egotistical, and instead highlights the truth: Leo is about light, wisdom, generosity, and devotion. The sun rises every day not for applause, but because life depends on it. And just like the sun, Leos show up—again and again—for the people, the passions, and the purpose that live in their hearts.

And for the last 40 days, I showed up—for me.

This blog, this project, this soul-bearing journey has been more than a countdown to my 40th birthday. It’s been a commitment to myself—to show up and shine a light on my own story for once. Not just the polished parts, but the pain, the process, and the power I’ve reclaimed along the way.

I’ve written through heartbreak, through healing, through holy moments of clarity—and I’ve proven something to myself:

✨ I have the discipline to rise daily.
✨ I have the self-respect to honor my voice.
✨ I have the courage to be vulnerable and still powerful.

That’s not something I was always taught to do. But there’s one lesson from my father that has stuck with me all my life:
“You can do anything you put your mind to.”

And now I believe it.

These past 40 days have been a living, breathing reminder of that truth. Every word I’ve written, every emotion I’ve processed, every seed I’ve planted for the future—I did it all with intention. For my growth. For my children. For my community. For the woman I am becoming.

I am no longer afraid to shine on myself.
I’m proud of how I’ve risen.
And I’m proud of who I am.

So as my August 12th birthday approaches, I don’t just celebrate a new year—I celebrate a new era. One where I lead with love, rise with purpose, and continue to shine light on what matters most.

This Leo season, I remember that I am the sun.
And still, I rise.


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Credit: Inspired by @_thecosmicyogi