“Celebrate endings — for they precede new beginnings.” — Jonathan Lockwood Huie
It’s now day 6 of the new year. Without us noticing it, January is done. But before we go further down 2025, I wish to reflect on my personal wins and lessons of the year that was, 2024.
Win: Becoming a first time grandmother – I already have 5 grandchildren from my two stepchildren, Kristine and Ninoy. But I became a “first time” grandmother when my daughter, Abbie gave birth to Belle last April 4. Seeing Abbie pregnant and gave birth, carrying Belle for the first time, witnessing many of her “firsts” during our 5-month stay and sharing the joys of grandmotherhood and motherhood with Abbie, were all winning moments! As a working mother back then, I had to cut short my “full time” mothering to Abbie after 2 months. But with Belle, I was given the chance to be with her every day for at least 5 months (and even when we went back to Davao via Facetime). I was part of her many firsts, some of those I probably have missed during the first 5 months of Abbie.
Lesson: Life gives you a chance to make-up and be better. I am now doing with Belle those things I wasn’t able to do with Abbie.
Win: Turning 60 – Celebrating my 60th birthday, healthy and wise, was a victory from God! Not everyone is blessed to reach this milestone. I am just thankful for all the favors God has showered me for the past 6 decades. While others dread getting old, I was excited to become a senior citizen. Not only am I eager to experience all the perks (20% discount, priority lane, free parking and movie, etc.) that come with my dual citizenship, I look forward to the new discoveries and experiences that await me.
Lesson: You don’t allow age to define you. Age is just a number. It’s your attitude in life that makes you feel either young or old.
Win: Santorini in my bucket list ticked. I have always wanted to visit Santorini in Greece. I would imagine and picture myself enjoying the view of the sunset with the white and blue structures as background. While I have tried and planned to visit the place several times in the past, for some reasons, I would always end up in other European cities, except Santorini. In fact, I have other plans for my 60th birthday. But I felt like winning a jackpot when I found a cruise that would sail to Santorin on October 11… my actual birthday!
Lesson: There’s a perfect time for everything. When things are meant to happen, they will without much effort. Just wait and trust.
Win: Having an AIM Graduate – I personally aimed to have a post graduate degree. I was just a thesis defense short of completing it. But it took the backseat as I climbed the corporate ladder. That’s why I gladly welcomed and supported the decision of my son, Paolo to pursue a Master in Business Administration at the prestigious Asian Institute of Management. He already had a good job when he decided to further his knowledge, skills and experience. And am glad that he did. The confidence and growth I saw in him as an AIM scholar and graduate, was priceless. I was like a champion seeing Paolo on stage and being conferred his MBA degree!
Lesson: We just don’t wait for opportunities to come our way. Sometimes, we have to create opportunities for us. While we may feel contented with what we have, let’s also strive to be more and better.
Win: Overcoming Health Issues – I started 2024 on a high note… high sugar level, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I was surprised and shocked since I did not experience any symptoms. I was just there for my annual check-up. Perhaps, I was just in denial but I was already setting up myself for these “high” results, since mid 2023. I stopped doing my daily 10,000 steps, did not control my carbs and sugar intake and indulged in binge watching.
With firm resolve, I immediately changed my diet, managed my physical activities and took some meds. My lab test results last September showed that everything was back to normal range already! I won this battle but I still have a war to win. Hoping that my lab tests this month will show another normal count.
Lesson: We have to be intentional, focused and consistent in our health regimens. Not because we don’t experience symptoms, doesn’t mean we’re in perfect shape. Let’s choose to be healthy!
Overall, 2024 has been good to me! My wins and victories outweigh the challenges and setbacks I encountered along the way. They just made me wiser and stronger.
I claim that 2025 will be a great year for me and my family!
