Mindful40 – Aging Gracefully, Living Gracefully

This birthday felt different — softer, slower, and more grounded.

Instead of crowds, I chose calm. Instead of noise, I chose nature. For my 40th, I wanted something simple but meaningful — surrounded by love, presence, and beauty in its purest form. A celebration that felt like me.

March was a month filled with a lot of moving parts. Between work, personal projects, and the everyday hustle, my 40th birthday almost slipped by without the kind of celebration I had in mind. I had originally planned to celebrate by freediving in the ocean, but unfortunately, my ears got infected, and I had to change those plans. Instead, I decided to embrace the peaceful, nature-filled surroundings of La Bella Tagaytay—a tranquil retreat inspired by Santorini, it was just what I needed to reflect, relax, and celebrate this milestone in a way that truly felt right.

When we first arrived, my 17 year old daughter and I were immediately taken by the beauty of the place. La Bella’s gardens were full of life and color, with spots for photos everywhere we turned. We kicked things off with a photoshoot—nothing fancy, just a few quiet moments to capture the feeling of the day. It wasn’t about making a big statement or having an extravagant celebration; it was about slowing down, taking it all in, and marking this moment with memories that felt real and present.

Chapter 40 birthday photoshoots Bathrobe

Chapter 40 birthday photoshoots (White dress)

The next morning, I treated myself to a wellness spa massage at La VeryOls. It was pure bliss. There’s something so special about making time to just be—to unwind, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. The massage was the perfect way to clear my mind and take care of my body after the busyness of the previous weeks.

Afterward, we wandered around La Bella’s gardens, soaking in the peaceful surroundings. The flowers were in full bloom, the air smelled so fresh, and every step felt like it was grounding me in the present moment. It’s funny how easy it is to forget to just be in the moment, and being in that beautiful space really reminded me of the importance of taking time to appreciate the little things.

For my birthday cake, I went with something that felt true to my brand and what I value—simple, meaningful, and calming. The cake was decorated with beautiful tulips, which are one of my favorite flowers. We also had a red tulip cake, symbolizing new beginnings and love. To celebrate, we enjoyed a glass of wine—not too much, just enough to mark the occasion with gratitude for the year ahead.

This birthday wasn’t about a big party or flashy celebrations. It was about embracing where I am in life—acknowledging the grace and wisdom that comes with age, and finding peace in the simple, quiet moments. It was a chance to pause, reflect, and share this day with my daughter in a place that felt like a perfect escape from the usual chaos.

A Special Shoutout to Anya's Haven in La Bella Residences

I stayed at Anya's Haven in La Bella Residences for my birthday staycation, and I couldn’t be more pleased with our experience. The studio unit was spotlessly clean, minimalist (which I love), and had all the toiletries we needed, making our stay comfortable and hassle-free, with a small balcony which was great! The host, Delia, was absolutely wonderful—she was so accommodating, ensuring all our requests were met with a smile. The staff was equally helpful and made sure we felt right at home.

The unit also had great Wi-Fi, which was a nice bonus. If you're looking for a peaceful, comfortable, and well-connected place to stay, I highly recommend Anya's Haven - La Bella. You can book it on Airbnb, heres their AirBnb link to book: https://www.airbnb.com/l/J5ZCJg48

I’m so thankful for my family, the mindful living community that has supported me along the way. This staycation was a beautiful reminder of the power of mindfulness, the importance of slowing down, and the joy of living simply. Here’s to turning 40 with grace, living intentionally, and cherishing the beauty in every moment.

Stay tuned for my next blog, where I'll share more about our experience at La Bella—Tagaytay inspired by Santorini, exploring its Mediterranean-style nature garden and Instagrammable views that transport you straight to the serene vibes of Santorini. I’ll be posting it soon! so don’t miss out! ;)

With love, miz.minimalist