Slow is the Goal

What does wealth mean for you?

A few months after I turned 39, I've reflected on life goals and where I'm at right now. As I opened this blank screen for another blog entry today, it dawned on me: Slow is the goal. Being calm while being still. Having more time to do the things I love.

When I was in college, walking fast was a routine thing. Not the type to ride a jeepney from one building to another in the campus, I had to make sure that I would not be late for the next class. Then of course, deadlines. We worked hard to meet all of them. One of the reasons why I looked forward to graduation is the thought of not having to complete homework and projects within deadlines. Of course I would still deal with deadlines once I had my job, but that's different. I would get paid for it. I could also choose which jobs to take on, and whether I would stay. Unlike in school where I didn't always have the chance to choose professors. Ironic though, that just a couple of years after my undergrad, I pursued my MA. The strongest pressure I felt back then was to finish my thesis.

Eight jobs later, here I am coming to realize what they mean by "Life begins at 40." Those years and that went past built the foundation for enjoying the next half of my life. Do I feel old? I can't deny that, because to me being 39 or 40 is really about getting old. But I'm not sad or ashamed, because having a sense of humor makes me stay youthful, and being attuned to my emotions makes me feel alive.

I believe that right now, I have the experience and competence to get the most out of life. So, let's go make the next chapter more enjoyable... without the need to walk fast, run after people, or chase deadlines.