Passing Thoughts

Some people dread the thought of turning a year older especially when there is not much to reckon with in life, in terms of noteworthy feats. In contrast, there are those who look forward to turning a leaf of triumphs, yet to another page of success.

Looking back at life is invariably viewed with a standard gauge: how far have we gone in terms of success, and how far do we think could we go further?

When I was young, I was awed by stories about those who made their million at age 25 or had been to as many as more than 10 countries when they reached 30. I kept savoring the thought that many have proven something out of their lives by the time they turn 35.

But just how does one define success when he reaches a certain age in life? I often ask.

I am past 35, but still quite far from counting a million in my account. I’m in my prime but I deem the future looks far from being clearly certain on account of challenges that lie ahead. I may have been to as many as more than 10 countries but after all those travels, I realized the only thing that matters is an album of photos and some good memories. Once you’re back home, you’re also back to reality.

At 36, what do I have? Well I say, I may not have the most in life, but I have much of what’s best in life: God who never fails, a loving wife and an adorable son, a supportive family, and good health. I have a work that pays enough to cover for my bills, plus a little bit of savings for the rainy days. In the midst of this all, I have a multitude of friends who can define what friendship really means.

I know I should have already done something more than I did, have acquired more than what I had, have been to places beyond those I’ve been to, and be someone more than who I am today.

But those, to me, are not the true measure of success.

I am happy at 36, truly happy with my family and reasonably fulfilled at being able to work on something that matters to society. But then again, many things can happen when I become 40 or 50 and so on.

In the end, life is a matter of choice and not purely by natural circumstances. We all have a shot at destiny and how we do it makes us what we become.

This is me, at 36.