“The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.” — Frank Lloyd Wright
By the time this article comes out, I am celebrating my 62nd birthday somewhere in Spain as I do my first ever Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. This is definitely one birthday celebration that I will not forget for it’s going to challenge and test my physical and mental endurance. Though I made some preparations for this Camino, I am aware that the actual walk is not going to be “a walk in the park”. But I am just thankful and feel blessed that I get to do this on my 62nd birthday!
Reaching this beautiful number gives me a more focused and clearer perspective on life, putting together my hard-earned wisdom and the art of letting go.
Count simple blessings always. Blessings and wins do not always have to come in big package and with a bang. I learned to be more appreciative of the small things that most people often take for granted. Just to be able to wake up, independently do my regular routines and chores, eat meals with my husband, and talk and play with our children/grandchildren are enough reasons for me to be thankful for.
Choose happiness. Regardless of our situation in life, we all have our own misfortunes that can trigger and lead us to loneliness and depression. While I cannot avoid those triggers, I take control of how it will affect me. Will I allow it to make me feel sad or angry? I choose to be happy. I learned to let go of the dramas and toxicities that I used to entertain and dwell in the past. Happiness is a choice.
Don’t be bothered by the opinions of others. We live in a very noisy world, where everyone has a say and wants to be heard. While getting feedback or suggestion from others is healthy, be mindful that in the end, it’s your own opinion/decision that matters. For as long as you’re not hurting anyone, do what’s pleasing to you, regardless of what others say. The only opinion that matters is yours. Do not let other people dictate your actions/decisions… it’s liberating.
Comfort and convenience over cost. Whenever our resources will allow, choose comfort and convenience. Pay a little more for that comfortable shoes, or for that baggage service, or for that extra leg room during your flight, or for that relaxing mattress. There’s no price tag for your ease and comfort. Enjoy the convenience your money can afford you.
Don’t defer things for later. Whatever you are able to do now, do it! For next time may never come. You may have the money but not the time. You may have the money and time but not the health. You may have the money, time and health but not the freedom. The pandemic reminded us how fleeting life, health, and normal routines truly are. Overnight, our everyday certainties—like going to school or work, visiting family and friends, or simply buying groceries— were all gone. Do what makes you happy today – because today is what you have. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Value your peace over pride. When we were much younger, we easily get provoked. We react to almost everything especially to those that we do not agree with, insist on our opinions and expect to win every argument. This has caused us so much stress in the process. Wisdom taught us that arguments and the stress that comes with it, regardless who won, steal years of our life and strain our relationships with other people. Choosing silence and being calm does not mean you’re wrong…you’re just prioritizing your peace and protecting your well-being.
Let go and let God. We have all experienced making the best plans and working our damn best yet things don’t go the way we planned. We, then, feel sad, disappointed and heart-broken. These instances are teaching us to trust more on God’s plan for us. There are things we can control and some things we cannot. Let’s not stress ourselves on those that we have no control over. Everything happens for a reason. Let’s pause and listen to what God is telling us. When the time is right, He will make things happen.
Life is still not perfect at 62, but I can say that I am living a more peaceful, discerned and purposeful one. Excited for 63!
