Earlier this month I celebrated my birthday. It wasn’t just any birthday but I’m proud to say that it was a milestone—the big ’50’.  Yes I said it—the big ’50’.  It flows easier off of my tongue now but for months leading up to this momentous occasion, I  couldn’t bring myself to say it out loud.  I didn’t want to think about it. And I certainly didn’t  want to share it with others.  Not because I was ungrateful.  Not because I was not thankful for the many blessings I have received. Not because I was embarrassed.  It took me awhile but I finally figured out what it was—FEAR.  Fear of the unknown.  Fear of growing older. Fear of not having the time to fulfill my destiny. 

It dawned on me just how quickly time passes—before you know it a day becomes a week, a week becomes a month, a month becomes a year, and a year becomes years and eventually a decade. I did not fully appreciate the significance of the moment until one of my sister friends brought it to my attention. She shared how special it was to her when she turned 50 and that I should not let the day pass without giving it the recognition it deserved. It was the gentle nudge and reminder that I needed. I realized that I had lost my focus; my destiny was not behind me—instead—it was a culmination of my past and my future.  

 In order to truly walk in my destiny, I had to embrace where I am now and take the necessary steps to move forward. It was sobering perhaps even transformational to come to this realization. We are all given a certain amount of time on this earth and it’s up to us how we use it. On a personal level,  I decided that I would no longer take a single second for granted. I will savor and bask in the ordinary.  I will laugh and smile more often. I will enjoy my time with family and friends. I will give more hugs, love harder, and open my heart for others to love me.  I will give of myself in service and not expect anything in return. I will forgive myself for the hurts I caused and I will forgive others that have caused me pain.  I will aspire to be better in every way.  On a professional level, I will continue to strive for excellence in the services and products I deliver to my customers.  I will volunteer and mentor others.  If I see another person struggling professionally, I will reach out and offer my support and guidance. I will set new goals and pursue them with vigilance and determination. I will not allow fear to hold me back. 

You may not be celebrating a milestone birthday; but perhaps something is happening in your life that you don’t want to face. You may be afraid to confront it. I understand where you are—I know how it feels. Trust me when I say that you will prevail. Don’t allow the challenge to define you. Don’t allow this test to discourage you.  Don’t allow your fears to paralyze you.  You have a choice—you can decide how you respond.  The clock is ticking so look forward to each opportunity, embrace each new experience,  and cherish each moment! Use it for what it was meant to be—a stepping stone to something far greater than you can imagine.

I hope this article provides encouragement to you.  Please forward it to others  who may need additional support.