I am 40 today! I do not take for granted that I have been blessed with day.
So today- I bask in the goodness of February 10th! Its a good day to have a good day… and I want to add on to a list I shared before and now I have 40!
In 2021 I shared this list of 38 things so now I have added two more items and I share 40 things… (anything in bold has been added to a previous item)

1:Kindness Matters
2: It’s okay to ask for help
3: There is nothing wrong with saying no. NO IS A COMPLETE SENTENCE
4: Take the trip! Don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t because it’s not first class- and 5 Star hotels! Stay in your budget and enjoy. You know when the world is safe of course 😊
5: Do something for yourself once a month. More if you can.
6: Give! It feels good. Research two non-profits in your city/community and donate to each of them once a year. No donation is too small.
7: Drink lots of water!
8: Make time for your family and friends. The world is sick and in a weird place right now. So if it’s Zoom or House Party App or Skype or IG video or whatever you use find the time to slow down and connect with the people who mean a lot to you.
9: Save! It’s important to save. Look at your budget and make a realistic plan for saving for your future
10: Exercise … there are so many ways to keep active. Find what works for you and do that thing.
11: Don’t be afraid to try new things! You might find out something you didn’t know about yourself
12: Read. It’s important to read. Check out authors and genres that are not your usual choice.
13: Laugh! Laugh a lot! It’s good for the soul. Comedy and comedians are subjective but find the ones that work for you and listen to them when you’re having a tough day.
14: Push & Challenge yourself. Last year I hiked with some friends to the top of Yellow Mountain. I never thought I would be able to do that. I did it! What a great experience.
15: Be thankful

16: Get a mentor – I have had mentors in various stages of my life and multiple and one time. There is nothing wrong with getting guidance from someone who has been where you plan on going!
17: Dream very Big AND DON’T STOP DREAMING
18: Learn from your mistakes! I enjoyed the book “Failing Up” The best of the best have made so many mistakes and this is how we get better
19: You spend most of your life at work! Find work that you love and that you are passionate about
20: Work at being a better you
21: Marvel is greater than DC comics (I’m here from Wonder Woman though)
22: Tell the people who are closest to you that you love them. You never know how long you have with them
23: Be flexible in life. Be prepared for change. Your life will constantly change.
24: Learn a second or third language

25: PJ Morton and Anthony Evans are two of the best artists out there. I can listen to their music any day.
26: Tacos are amazing and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, brunch, a quick snack or dinner!
27: The worst someone can say is No. My dad taught me that. Don’t be afraid to ask for things.
28: Demand what you deserve. Do. Not. Settle.
29: Love YOU! Beauty is subjective. Accept who you are and rock it!
30: Stop doing more for others than they would do for you. Have boundaries in your friendships and relationships.
31: Public school is cheaper than private and you will still receive a great education.
32: Never stop learning
33: Be happy & Live from a place of joy as much as possible
34: Keep a little cash tucked away somewhere. I promise it will come in handy one day.
35: Have Fun. Life is short.
36: Treat people the way you want to be treated.
37: Try Yoga. It’s not that bad. OKAY IT KINDA IS BUT STILL TRY IT. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbx9yttmtAU&t=627s
38: Believe in something greater than you. I am a believer- CHRIST FOLLOWER. It is such a big part of my life. Pray.
39: Buy the shoes- YOU KNOW YOU WANT THEM!
40: Document your experiences and memories! Take pictures. Take videos. Make reels. Email them to yourself. Print some! I love when Facebook shows me my memories, or my stories come back on IG, or even when my photos give me. We will not get these years back! Enjoy your days.

I’m entering 40- thankful, smiling, and full of joy – expecting nothing but greatness for my life!
#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #-FaithfulIsMyGod
“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” – Hellen Keller
*I choose ADVENTURE*

Years later I’m still smiling like this picture and I’m thrilled about life and all that it hold for me. This 4T year is going to be good to me! Happy Birthday To Me!
…also! its a very good day to support me and my book! Lesson’s from Ms. K’s Class can be found using this link. Currently my book is available in e-version and print options coming soon!
