Julie Gichuru's 5 Lessons As She Celebrates 49th Birthday

Veteran journalist Julie Gichuru has shared five reflections on her life as she turned 49 years old on Saturday, January 7.

In an Instagram post, the former Citizen TV anchor expressed gratitude for celebrating her birthday in a better position compared to 2021 when she had to deal with a huge loss towards the end of the year.

The mother of four nonetheless was appreciative of having gone through the year successfully, advising her followers not to get too consumed by the challenges and fail to see the blessings.

Julie Gichuru during a past public address. /INSTAGRAM.JULIE GICHURU

"Every part of me is thankful to have been on this epic journey of life. My 48th year was tough, marked by our devastating loss at the end of 2021, but it was also a year of blessings - filled with grace, kindness and healing.

"No one promised this life would be easy - but we must never get so lost in the loss, grief and challenges that we cannot see the blessings and give thanks for the opportunities," she wrote.

In her five lessons, she admitted to knowing little but learnt to ask more questions and listen more.

"As I get older I realise I know less; I ask more questions. I listen more keenly. I make fewer judgements. I appreciate each new day as a blessing and an opportunity to try to do my best, one more time. It is not promised and so I am thankful for each new day 

"As I head into my 49th year I wish you love, peace, fulfilment, grace, and blessings beyond your hopes and expectations," she added while being showered with more best wishes from friends, family and her fans.

On January 7, 2022, Gichuru revealed that she had to undergo eye surgery as her eyesight was deteriorating quickly, as her husband underwent surgery around the same period and he is doing well, adding that they used that window to take care of each other and strengthen their union.

“What a journey the last year has been — filled with blessings and also heartbreak. So much to be thankful for... I had eye surgery and I am recovering well - my vision which was deteriorating fast is so greatly improved I don't need glasses anymore,” she said.

“My darling simba also had major surgery and he is doing well too, by the grace of God. We had the opportunity to care for each other through this - what an honour to serve and help each other - to help heal, support, encourage and strengthen each other."

Gichuru shares a birthday with her former colleague Jeff Koinange as well as former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Thirdway Alliance Secretary General Fred Okang'o as well as global superstars Nicolas Cage, Lewis Hamilton and Eden Hazard.

Julie Gichuru with former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. /TWITTER.JULIE GICHURU