‘Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.’
– John F Kennedy
As I stand on the precipice of turning 50 this coming December, I find myself at a significant crossroads—a poignant intersection filled with the echoes of my past, the vibrancy of my present, and the promise of an uncertain yet exhilarating future. Life, in its splendid complexity, teaches us that change is not only inevitable but also beautifully transformative. The genesis of change is deeply rooted in the fabric of human existence. On a personal level, each transition—be it a joyous occurrence or a grievous loss—meshes with our identity, shaping our view of who we are as we traverse the myriad of experiences offered by life. The concept of being at a crossroads embodies both uncertainty and possibility. We are often faced with the decision to maintain the status quo or embark on a new path that may lead us toward profound enrichment or unforeseen challenges. This sentiment resonates with the Biblical wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 3:1, which states, “To everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” Just as the seasons change, so too do the chapters of our lives require us to evolve.
My recent pilgrimage, a journey of deeper self-discovery and reflection, has illuminated the profound understanding that these changes redefine our existence and allow us to celebrate life in its many forms—an ethos I now embrace as I prepare to welcome this noteworthy milestone. Change, at its core, is a powerful force. It can unmoor us or propel us forward; it can feel like a storm or a gentle breeze, depending on how we choose to interpret it. As I walked the paths of my 19-day pilgrimage in Eastern Europe and Medjugorje, I was confronted with the realization that every step taken symbolized a choice—a decision to embrace transformation, challenge the status quo, and stand resilient at the crossroads of my life experiences. It is through this lens of reflection that I came to recognize the significance of turning 50; it is not merely a number, but a celebration of the grace of God, His gifts of wisdom, resilience, and above all, love.
The number 50 holds a golden glow that resonates with the richness of life itself. In the Biblical narrative, the number has a special significance: the year of Jubilee underscores God’s promise of restoration, forgiveness, and liberation to His people. Leviticus 25:10 speaks of a year when all debts would be forgiven, and the land would have a rest. It’s a powerful metaphor for my life at this juncture—turning 50 is an opportunity to release old burdens, forgive myself and others, and embrace a new chapter filled with divine possibility. Just like the year of Jubilee, this moment invites us to step boldly into freedom—a freedom grounded in the tenets of LOVE.
LOVE is the cornerstone upon which this new decade will be built. In my mind, LOVE forms an acronym rich with meaning, one that encapsulates the fundamental principles I wish to uphold as I move forward. Loyalty, Openness, Vitality, and Empowerment weave together a tapestry representing my commitment to loving not only others but also myself.
Loyalty reminds me to remain steadfast to those who have walked beside me through thick and thin—partners, family, and friends who have shaped my journey. This loyalty acts as the glue that binds relationships, ensuring that love is not simply a fleeting emotion but a faithful commitment to nurturing and sustaining those bonds.
Openness invites vulnerability, allowing me to be transparent and genuine in my interactions. Embracing openness means welcoming new ideas, perspectives, and experiences into my life. It teaches us that change often blooms from the seeds of our willingness to try something new, push our boundaries, and, perhaps most importantly, embrace the unknown.
Vitality is not just about physical health; it encompasses a zest for life—an energetic approach that fuels my passions and pursuits. It compels me to engage fully, to live boldly, and to celebrate each moment with enthusiasm. This relates to utilizing my gifts and the gifts of those around me to uplift the collective spirit—promoting joy, creativity, and a vibrant heart.
Finally, Empowerment wraps this all together, reflecting the choice to rise above challenges, learn from setbacks, and harness the strength of love. It echoes the Biblical principle found in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” With each passing year, I have learned that empowerment begins within; it is the recognition of my intrinsic value as a beloved child of God, endowed with purpose and boundless potential.
As I approach this golden chapter of my life, I understand that life—be it at 50 or 80—holds no disparate value; it is rather a continuum filled with opportunities to embrace the fullness of love. Each moment is sacred, replete with the divine potential to grow, learn, and evolve. The essence of life, whether at the brink of a milestone birthday or reflecting on profound life experiences, lies in our capacity to embody love in its truest form.
At this pivotal moment, I am grateful for the upcoming intersection of change that awaits me. The mosaic of my experiences—each unique, each transformational—accompanies me as I step forward, celebrating the richness of love that has coloured my journey. While I embrace the significance of turning 50 in December 2024, I recognise that what matters most is not the number itself but the legacy of love I choose to cultivate and share with those around me. The celebration of L.O.V.E. becomes a guiding principle, reinforcing that as I turn this golden age, the journey and the joy of embracing change are intrinsically connected to the deeper understanding of life—a life rooted in love- loyalty, openness, vitality, and empowerment. In the ever-shifting landscape of existence, love remains the constant that defines us, nourishes us, and ultimately sets us free.
Dear readers, as I stand at the crossroads of change, I am grateful for the challenges, triumphs, and the invaluable Echoes of Experience that resonate deeply within me. These echoes are not mere memories; they are the guiding compass to my future, urging me to continue exploring life’s depths with passionate curiosity. Making sense of the past allows us to navigate the present better and shape the future.
As the leaves begin to fall and December approaches, I invite you, dear readers, to embark on the Echoes of Experience with me. Together, we will delve into the depths of our shared human experience—a tapestry woven from joys, sorrows, lessons, and reflections. My humble hope is to inspire you to embrace your own crossroads, to gather wisdom from your experiences, and to transform them into powerful narratives that resonate with others.
In this pivotal moment, as I prepare to celebrate half a century of life, I understand that our stories are intertwined, each a strand in the vibrant fabric of humanity. Let us move forward together, hand in hand, navigating this complex landscape. Embracing the changes that age brings, we can find strength in vulnerability and wisdom in the past. Let us not merely age, but evolve, empowering one another through our stories. As I step into this new phase, I am resolute: together, we will chart a course toward greater understanding and connection, leaving footprints for others to follow. The echoes of our experiences will guide us, lighting the way for future generations, as we continue this vital journey of life.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
