I started writing this on July 26, 5 days before my birthday. I am taking a few days break from work to celebrate. But before that, let us take a quick look at my 41. A lot has happened in the past 12 months of my life. The pandemic for one has brought unprecedented challenges at work and has tested me up to my limits. I thank God for keeping me and my family safe from Covid.
My 41 was amazing to say the least. The saying you cant teach an old dog new tricks, is untrue for me. I taught myself how to bake. I learned how to take care of plants ( well sort of, most of them are thriving ). Most importantly, I became more patient and have accepted that things will not always go my way. I have learned to let go and let God.
It is on my 41 that I realized how important it is to live in the NOW, not in the PAST, and certainly not in the FUTURE. I tend to worry about what is going to happen in the years to come that I get so blinded and take what I have now for granted. Sometimes, I get so stuck in the past and forget that there is nothing I can do to bring back time.
It is on my 41 that I get to love my family a little more. Ive learned how to ditch drama, and just be there for my family whenever they need me. Yes, I did major stuff this year. To be honest, as I write this, I feel like I need to catch my breath and have lived five years in this one. But it is all worth it. It is on my 41 that I learned to love myself a little more. I forgave myself for those things that I failed to do. But promised myself that I will try harder the next time.
On my 41, I may not have met all my goals but I have moved some major career and personal mountains. There were moments of feeling pushed too far extending my vulnerability muscles too much needing rest. But I just put one foot in front of the other and did everything step by step.
Turning 42, I want to bring myself to a whole new level of wellness. I have been sick a lot the past year. This is the consequence of working too hard and not getting enough rest and sleep. This year, I want to invest in wellness through retreats, exercising, eating nutritious food, listening to my favorite songs or getting back to writing blogs.
There is a slight chance I will slide back to my old habits. But I promise to be consistent and celebrate even the small wins. I will have faith in myself. At the end of the day, I am the one in the drivers seat and I can be a pretty good driver if I let myself be.
I will continue to step out of the comfort zone like I always do. Work less, travel more, read a different book, try different food and keep connected to people. I will make the most of my worst days and every opportunity that comes my way.
On my 42, I want to leave things that hurt me. And live freely and happily with friends and family who are always there for me. I will stay in touch with people who have the same goals, passion and mindset as mine because I know they will not let me lose.
So join me as I embark on this new journey. If you are one of the good people who were present on my 41 (and any of my younger and not so younger years), I want you to know that you all motivate me to be better each year. And for that, thank you.