LIFE’S BLESSINGS | MEMOIR
20,089 Days and Counting: Just a Number or a Milestone Worth Reveling?
How do you cherish 20,089 days of life? Is it the gateway to senior perks?
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Every birthday is a once-in-a-lifetime blessing. No matter our age or life status, each milestone is worth rejoicing.
But why?
The Great Creator gifted humans with just one life, which is reason enough to celebrate.
Whatever troubles or barriers we bump into, they are only temporary. What remains permanent is the legacy we leave behind when our contract on this earth expires. We are, after all, mere drifters passing through. (Hebrews 11:13-16)
Our final destination? The peaceful embrace of God.
More than two weeks ago, on the 14th day of this month, I savored my 20,089th day. Does that sound overly calculated? Maybe. But hey, do the math—multiply it by 365, add the number of leap years in between using the leap years list tool and this days-old calculator, to be exact, and ta-daa!
Now you know how many days you’ve lived, too. Fun, right?
But let’s talk about my special day. A bosom buddy— whom I lovingly call Nana Erishu — instigated a cunning scheme with my workmates and daughter to amaze me. And guess what? I had no clue! (Shame on my detective instincts.)
Meanwhile, I kept refreshing our group chats, expecting my colleagues to flood in with birthday greetings. Nothing. Nada. Not a single one popped up!
My dramatic thought: Did they forget? Am I that forgettable?
The silence was deafening except for a few devoted friends and my four endearing kids.
Then—boom! — a smash hit party! And just like that, I felt an overwhelming rush of gratitude.
Inshallah! Alhamdulillah! Muchas gracias! Danke! Kamsahamnida! Merci beaucoup! Maraming salamat po!
Every “thank you” I could think of. But most of all, I praise and glorify the Almighty for the countless graces, even amidst life’s fiercest storms. (Storms? Let’s call them hurricanes!)
The Fun Facts About Turning 55
So, what’s the big deal about turning 55? Here’s what I found:
- Middle Adulthood: The age range of 40–65 marks the transition between young adulthood and old age. (Yikes!)
- Officially a Senior? In some states, 55 is the start of senior citizenship. Discounts? Bring ’em on!
- Gen X: If you were born between 1965 and 1980, you’re officially in the 45–60 club. (Congratulations?)
- Numerology: 55 represents independence, self-sufficiency, curiosity, and adventure. Translation: Still rocking life!
- Golden Birthday? It happens when your age matches your birth date. (Oops, I missed mine decades ago!)
- Double Nickel: It’s the terrific way to say 55 (and not feel too old). Gimme five!
- Emerald Green Year: The 55th-anniversary color — so why not claim it for your birthday, too?
- Physiological Changes: The fancy saying, Move it or lose it! Exercise is key to staying sharp and mobile.
- Bonus Fact: A person between 50 and 59 is called a quinquagenarian.
A Moment of Reflection
Turning 55 evokes reflection on successes, lessons learned, and aspirations. It’s a time to appreciate life’s twists and turns, as well as people and experiences.
And because birthdays need to be more than cake and candles, below are some reflective questions to ask yourself. Come on, don't be too shy to respond and share them with me:
1. What truly fills you with joy and not fleeting happiness?
Ahh, but writing fills me with a joy so pure it could outshine even the most stressful day. The thought of turning my tangled thoughts into words that others can read, feel, and connect with makes my heart dance. And knowing that my words might sprinkle a bit of gladness or a life lesson into someone else’s day? Well, that’s the kind of magic that keeps my soul smiling.
2. What drains your energy and no longer benefits you?
Incessantly scrolling through social media apps. Ugh, it's a total energy vampire. It sucks away my time and gives nothing back — except maybe a stiff neck and blurry vision. So, I’ve decided to stick to just one or two platforms where I can share my writing. (Because, let’s be honest, I’m not trying to win a scrolling marathon.)
3. At what times do you feel most free and most ‘you’?
Oh, definitely when I’m off duty! After a grueling 24-hour shift, nothing feels more liberating than some guilt-free, do-whatever-I-want time. Whether I’m catching up on sleep like a professional nap athlete or slipping into full vacation mode, I’m as free as a bird. (A bird with a travel bucket list, mind you.) Can you agree with me, please?”
4. What are your strengths, and how can you use them?
I’d say my superpower is being a down-to-earth, cheery friend. You can count on me to magically flip a gloomy day into something bright and joyful, kind of like a walking mood booster. My motto? ‘Whatever you have now, use it for the best — as long as you’re not offending anyone.’ (Unless you count tickling someone ‘til they cry from laughter.)
5. What ignites you and drives your purpose?
What ignites me? The burning dream of becoming a certified author, with my own published books (yes, plural ), inspires and motivates every soul who flips through the pages — and leaves them craving for more. (Am I being too boastful? It’s just you and me here talking. I hope it stays between us.)
6. Are you ready to start a bold new chapter in life?
Oh yes, I am so ready! Life is precious, and I refuse to let any barricades or problems rain on my dream parade. Just manifest with all your heart, and everything will eventually fall into place. (At least, that’s what I keep telling myself — and so far, it’s working!)
7. Is your career in alignment with your deepest values and aspirations?
I’d say yes — my career aligns with my values, as it allows me to help and care for people, especially those battling illnesses. With my ‘tender loving care’ skills, I make sure that even the needles I shoot feel a little less scary and a lot more compassionate. (After all, who says blood draws can’t come with a spurt of kindness?)
8. What remains on your bucket list and is yet to be ticked?
Still on my bucket list? Oh, just a little dream of turning my collection of old poems into a published book I can proudly call my own. (Imagine holding my book in my hands — instant goosebumps!) And, of course, I’m itching to travel to faraway places I’ve only read about in books, seen in magazines, or drooled over on the Internet. Because why just bookmark the world when I can go through it?
9. What would you do with all the time and resources in the world?
I spend my days with my most cherished treasures — my four loving kids and a few adorable friends. Together, we glide through life’s journey, creating precious memories and infusing kindness wherever we go.
10. What specific legacy do you hope to leave behind?
As a wannabe author, I strive to leave a legacy of wisdom and inspiration through my writings and soon-to-be-published books. (Yes, books with an S, my dear — because one book simply won’t contain all my brilliance! )
11. How do you balance your writing aspirations with your everyday responsibilities?
I sneak in a line or two during stolen moments — whether it’s on a coffee break or while waiting for my lab results to process. My notebook is my trusty sidekick, catching random splashes of imagination. And when I’m off duty? That’s when I raid my scribbled ideas, polish the gems, and — voilà! — There’s my post of the day.
12. What memorable experiences from your life have shaped your perspective on turning 55?
Raising four kids solo — it’s like running a one-woman circus, minus the applause. It taught me grit, resilience, and the fine art of making ends meet with sheer willpower. If others can chase their dreams, why can’t I? Sure, I’m now middle-aged, but hey, dreams don’t come with expiration dates. Life’s past roadblocks? They’re just training wheels for the ride ahead.
Feel free to add your own. After all, life at 55 is all about rediscovering yourself — mentally, competently, creatively, and proficiently.
(Oh, and just a tiny reminder… this whole ‘books-with-an-S’ dream? It’s strictly between you and me, okay? Let’s keep the boasting on the down-low.)
Final Thoughts
Today is the day to set out afresh. And think of this:
Perfect is the enemy of done. One day, today will be one of your “good days gone by.”
So, how did you commemorate your most recent special day? Any noteworthy moments?
Spill the tea, my sweet!
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