A Different 23

I started the day with a very sullen mood. It was the first time I’m celebrating with no immediate family around. I suddenly recalled my past birthdays. At 20, I celebrated my birthday on my graduation day. At 21, I went to the beach with my brother and several cousins. At 22, I celebrated at home just in time for Easter Sunday. At 23, I do not know to what expect. I thought, “Should I even expect in the first place?” So when my mom called me this morning, I couldn’t help but shed a tear as I told myself, “This is going to be one of the coldest birthdays ever”.

But as they say, God always has a plan. When you can’t do anything for yourself, He will intervene through other people. As the day went by and greetings came pouring in, I realized that the essence of celebrating a birthday is not the food, nor the gifts, but the celebration of life itself. It’s about being thankful for being alive, being able to see what life has to offer, being loved and giving love as well, being able to laugh at absurdities, and learning from our mistakes.

Having said that, I now feel more confident than ever to say… Thank you. Thank you God for giving me the gift of life. Thank You for providing me with abilities to do my purpose and find out whatever that is You have in store form me. Thank You for giving me such a good family, supportive relatives, awesome friends and mentors, and great co-workers. Thank you to anyone and everyone because in a way or too we all contribute to the state of the world we live in.

Cheers to many more years of fruitful living! =)