Today I celebrate my 45th birthday. Yep, I said it…45! Just looking at this number typed out seems surreal. Where has the time gone ? I may not be where I imagined myself to be 30 years ago, but you know what ? I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I’m grateful. I’m excited to see what God has for me.
As I reflect on turning 45, the first thing that comes to mind is my brother Armand. In his 40’s he finally decided to pursue his dream of being a Customs Officer. He faced some challenges as he was going through the program, but he persevered. Nothing and no one was going to stop him ! When people tell me they’re too old to go back to school or pursue their dreams, I have to tell them about my brother. Just as his new career was taking off at the age of 45, he was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer with little chance of survival. By 47 the cancer spread and took his life. But he accomplished many things in life. He may not have crossed off all the things off his bucket list but he had no regrets.
Praise be to God that at 45 I am healthy . I feel like I have a new lease on life. I feel that God is moving me in a new direction and that big things are going to happen. I need to live out my purpose and not become complacent. I have the BeYoutiful Project which is making a difference in the lives of women. I am meeting new people who are passionate and gifted and want to partner with me on various projects or ventures and meeting people who are helping me grow in my relationship with God. God is placing dreams and visions of where He wants me to be and I would be a fool to not pursue them. Just as my brother pursued a dream later in life, I want to pursue mine so that I too have no regrets. We are all made for a purpose. Whether you are in your 20’s, 40’s or 80’s, seek out what that purpose is and fulfill it. Make an impact in the lives of people around you. Leave a legacy. Leave an imprint. As you my friends and family journey with me, I hope that you will pick me up when I fall, kick my butt when I want to quit, pray with me when I’m fearful of taking that next step and celebrate with me when I’ve crossed something off my bucket list. But most of all I pray that I will live up to God’s expectations so that I may be a positive example to to you and living proof that though where you are at right now is not where you expected to be, it’s not too late to do something about it.