53 Years Around the Sun — Still the Treat, Never the Trick!
Reflections from Maia™ | Special Birthday Edition | October 31, 2026
October 31, 2026
Scripture Focus: So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (KJV)
It's official! 53 years around the sun, moon, and earth! And yes, I know what today is.
It's Halloween. Now, I understand that not everyone views Halloween as a day worthy of celebration. But here's something I've always believed. I've always considered myself the TREAT, never the TRICK! And baby, today I'm celebrating! They say a lady should never reveal her age. Well, apparently somebody forgot to tell me! Because I'm celebrating all 53 years. The good years. The challenging years. The years that brought unexpected blessings. And the years that taught me lessons I didn't necessarily sign up to learn. Whew! But every chapter has contributed to the woman I'm becoming. Notice I said becoming. Because even at 53, I'm still learning, growing, and discovering new opportunities to live with purpose.
53: Finding Meaning in the Milestone
As I approached my birthday, I became curious about the spiritual symbolism some traditions associate with the number 53. In numerology, the number 5 is often connected with freedom, change, and adventure. The number 3 is associated with creativity, communication, and expression. And 5 plus 3 equals 8, a number some traditions associate with strength, abundance, and the results of sustained effort. Now, I don't believe these numbers determine my destiny. My faith is rooted in God. But I do appreciate the opportunity to reflect on what these themes mean in my own journey. Because change? I've experienced plenty. Creativity? I've certainly embraced it. Communication? Well, baby, according to my mother, I've been practicing THAT since I arrived!
They Said My Mouth Would Get Me in Trouble
My mother loved telling a story about when she brought me home after I was born. There was an older African gentleman who lived in our apartment community. She described him as a spiritual man. Apparently, after seeing me, he told her that one day somebody was going to beat the color off me because of my mouth. Now, I don't know everything he said.
I only know the part my mother loved repeating. Apparently, I talked too much. I spoke my mind. And my mouth was going to get me into trouble. Well, here we are. Fifty-three years later, and I'm STILL talking! But here's what I've learned. Having a voice is a gift. Learning how to use that voice with wisdom, intention, and purpose is part of our growth. Because my voice has helped me advocate for others. Encourage people. Challenge situations that needed to be challenged. Stand firm during difficult conversations. And speak up when remaining silent would have been easier. Now, don't misunderstand me. I've also learned that not everything requires a response. Sometimes wisdom means listening. Sometimes it means pausing. Sometimes it means choosing our words carefully. And sometimes silence speaks louder than anything we could say. But I've come to recognize something important. What someone once identified as a weakness may become a strength when it's developed with wisdom and purpose. Perhaps that is one of the greatest lessons of my 53 years. Don't allow someone else's prediction to become the final definition of your possibilities.
The Voices I Wish I Could Hear Again
Birthdays are beautiful. But as we get older, they can also become moments of remembrance. Today, I find myself thinking about loved ones who are no longer physically here. People I wish I could visit one more time. People whose phone calls I wish I could receive. People whose wisdom I wish I could sit down and hear again. People whose hugs I wish I could experience. And people whose voices I simply wish I could hear. For some, I still have saved voicemails. Because sometimes a voicemail becomes more than a recording. It becomes a memory. A familiar voice. A reminder of love. A moment we can revisit, even when we can no longer create new moments together. While I celebrate another year of my own life, I also celebrate the lives of those who helped shape mine. Their love. Their wisdom. Their encouragement. Their lessons. Their legacy. Because their influence continues through the values, memories, and wisdom they passed along. Sometimes legacy is the voice we can no longer hear in person, but whose wisdom still speaks through the way we live. And that reminds me to appreciate the people who are still here. Make the call. Give the hug. Share the encouragement. Say thank you. Say I love you. Create the memory. Because sometimes the ordinary moments we take for granted become the extraordinary memories we treasure.
Numbering My Days With Intention
Psalm 90:12 reminds us: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” What a beautiful reminder for a birthday. We're not simply counting the years. We're being encouraged to live them with wisdom. And that's what I want for this next chapter. Not just more days. But more meaningful days. More opportunities to serve. More opportunities to encourage. More opportunities to create. More opportunities to love.
And more opportunities to make a difference. Because at 53, I'm not finished. I'm not finished learning. I'm not finished growing. And baby, I'm certainly not finished talking! But I do want my words to become wiser. My actions more intentional. My faith stronger. And my impact more meaningful.
My 53 for 53 Birthday Challenge
So, instead of simply celebrating another birthday, I've decided to make this milestone intentional. I'm launching my personal 53 for 53 Birthday Challenge! 53 new followers. Not simply to increase a number, but to connect with more people who may find encouragement, inspiration, faith, or purpose through the messages I share. 53 books sold. Because my published books represent more than pages and purchases. They represent reflections, lessons, encouragement, and opportunities to reach people I may never meet personally. And most importantly: 53 or more lives positively impacted. Through a conversation. A reflection. A book. An act of kindness. A word of encouragement. Or simply helping someone feel heard, seen, and valued. Now, wouldn't that be a beautiful birthday gift? And while 53 gives me a meaningful goal, I certainly don't intend to stop there. Because impact isn't limited by a birthday. And purpose doesn't have an expiration date.
Celebrating the Woman I'm Still Becoming
As I reflect on these 53 years, I recognize that every experience has contributed something to my journey. Some taught me patience. Some taught me courage. Some taught me discernment. Some reminded me of the importance of faith. And others taught me the value of love, grace, and meaningful relationships. I don't know everything this next year will bring. But I know how I want to approach it. With gratitude. With wisdom. With faith. With creativity. With intention. And with a commitment to make the moments count. Because 53 isn't simply another number on my birthday cake. It's another opportunity to be intentional about the legacy I'm creating.
Reflect & Correct: Am I simply counting the years I've lived, or am I being intentional about how I live them? What strengths have I developed from qualities someone once considered weaknesses?Have I taken time to appreciate the people whose love and wisdom have helped shape my journey? What moments and memories do I need to create with the people who are still here?How can I use my voice, gifts, experiences, and resources to positively impact someone else's life?
Happy 53rd Birthday to Me!
Here's to another year of learning, loving, growing, creating, and making a difference. Have a blessed day. Be Momentous! Your journey. Your moment. Your legacy.
I'm not just celebrating the years I've lived. I'm celebrating the lessons I've learned, the love I've received, and the legacy I'm still creating. - Maia Treleaven